The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Uganda has dismissed as false the recent media reports alleging that the embassy refused to pay Ugandan drivers.
According to embassy sources, the allegations were made by Isaac Makubuya, a former employee who was dismissed over gross indiscipline and misconduct. He is accused of extorting money from embassy visitors and guests of the ambassador, acts that are now under formal investigation.
Officials said that following repeated warnings and the discovery of anomalies in his employment records, including non-declaration of taxes, Makubuya was relieved of his duties, and his final arrears communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Juba for processing.
A meeting between South Sudan Embassy officials and Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since been convened to clarify the matter.
“The embassy operates transparently and with full respect for Ugandan laws and bilateral relations. Any claim linking this to espionage is completely unfounded and reckless,” an official said.
“The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Kampala categorically denies the false and defamatory media reports alleging that Ugandan drivers were labeled as spies and denied payment. These claims are a complete fabrication, orchestrated by a single disgruntled former employee attempting to weaponize the media,” officials stated.
The source of these allegations, Isaac Makubuya, was suspended in May 2025 following serious disciplinary breaches, including extorting money from embassy visitors and guests. An ongoing investigation has also uncovered significant anomalies in his employment records, such as non-declaration of taxes.
Contrary to the sensationalized story, the Embassy has already processed Makubuya’s final arrears and submitted them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Juba for final payment, following standard diplomatic protocols.
Furthermore, the claim of a widespread dispute with drivers is demonstrably false. Two of the drivers named in the article — Kiyaga Stephen and Musoga Mohamed — have formally submitted written statements to the Embassy distancing themselves from the social media press release and confirming that they are pursuing their arrears through official channels, not through the media. This document directly contradicts the core premise of the false story.
A meeting has been convened between the Ambassador of South Sudan and officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally clarify the matter and reaffirm the strong, cordial relations between the two sister nations.
“The Embassy operates with the highest levels of integrity and transparency, with full respect for Ugandan laws and our enduring bilateral relationship,” a senior official stated.
“To baselessly accuse our institution of such reckless espionage claims is not only a malicious fabrication but also an affront to the mutual trust between South Sudan and Uganda. We are taking legal advice regarding this defamation.”
