In the busy heart of Najera, a Kampala suburb, Xhub bar stands as a beacon of friendship, entrepreneurship, and a thriving nightlife business venture.
What began as a humble vision shared by Moses Rugaba (known as Mossy), Douglas Atukunda (Buja), and Richard Batsikana (Richie) soon blossomed into one of the most popular social spots in Kampala where revellers party nonstop 24/7, birthing a popular phrase of enjoyments “day2”.
Later joined by Joshua Byaruhanga (Josh), the quartet transformed Xhub into a modern oasis, rivaling top bars in the capital.
However, beyond the sleek facade of success lay a simmering tale of greed, betrayal, and broken bonds.
The Rise of Xhub
The journey of Xhub is a testament to the power of unity and hard work. Mossy, the overall coordinator, Richie, in charge of entertainment, and Buja, the administrator, laid the foundation for the bar, investing their time, money, and creativity to elevate it from a low-class establishment into a bustling hotspot.
Josh later joined as the handler of finances, solidifying the team’s structure.
Their friendship was so strong that Josh served as the best man at Richie’s wedding, a testament to the brotherhood they shared.
Through innovative marketing, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to excellence, Xhub quickly became the go-to destination for both locals and visitors as a place where laughter echoed, memories forged, and partiers felt at home.
A Sinister Plot Unfolds
However, the idyllic partnership began to unravel in early 2024. Mathias Kitatta, known as Mattie, the landlord of Xhub, harbored ambitions far beyond collecting rent.
Behind closed doors, he meticulously plotted a hostile takeover.
He cultivated a loyal inner circle, including DJ Andrey, Joram (now the manager of Xhub), and Martin, who became key players in his plan.
Private meetings with some of the partners sowed seeds of discord, as Mattie manipulated circumstances to his advantage.
Sabotage from Within
As the year wore on, Mattie’s sabotage efforts became increasingly evident.
Despite the management purchasing a state-of-the-art soundproof system, he blocked its installation, stifling the bar’s growth potential.
Popular DJs such as Dj Jim, Jamajam, Starboy were suspended under the guise of contract renewal conditions. The vibrant atmosphere that once defined Xhub began to falter.
The final blow came on December 31, 2024. Despite a verbal agreement in October to renew the contract with all four partners, Mattie chose to side with Josh and Buja, effectively cutting out Mossy and Richie. It was a decision that shocked the bar workers and left two of the original founders out in the cold.
The Fallout
Since January 2025, Mossy and Richie have been denied access to Xhub, the very establishment they helped build from the ground up.
They remain uncompensated for their contributions, a painful reminder of how greed can dismantle even the strongest of bonds.
“These guys found this place looking awful, a low-class bar, and they invested a lot to make it look this beautiful. Some people are so ungrateful,” lamented one of Xhub’s longest-standing customers. The sentiment echoed throughout the community, where many felt the injustice was palpable.
When contacted for comment on the split and allegations of betrayal, Buja responded cautiously. “Before I comment, I want to know how many partners of mine you have reached out to?” he questioned, adding that he was not in a position to speak for the entire group. His reserved response left many wondering whether guilt, loyalty, or legal caution guided his words.
Broken Dreams and Shattered Trust
The fall of Xhub is not just a story of business betrayal; it is a cautionary tale of how greed can fracture friendships and stifle the dreams of local investors. The once-unshakable bond between the four friends has been irreparably broken. What started as a dream built on unity and shared vision has turned into a painful lesson in the dark side of ambition.
The betrayal has also sent shockwaves beyond the four walls of Xhub. Local investors, once inspired by the bar’s success story, will now approach such ventures with caution.
The fear that friendship and trust can be easily compromised for financial gain is a sobering reality.
Regular patrons and community members have not taken the betrayal lightly. Many have called for accountability and justice for Mossy and Richie. “They deserve compensation,” said a concerned patron. “You can’t just push people out of something they built.”
The Future of Xhub
The fate of Xhub remains uncertain. While the business continues to operate under new management, the fractured relationships and lingering bitterness cast a long shadow over its success.
The love for money, as many have pointed out, has not only shattered a once-inseparable friendship but has also tarnished the dream of upcoming local investors.
