Bad Blood Brews Among Mbale Journalists Over Alleged Dispute on Shs10 Million Association Support

Bad blood is reportedly brewing among journalists in Mbale following allegations surrounding the management and distribution of Shs10 million that was reportedly contributed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson for Sironko District, Hajji. Lumolo Suliman, to support journalists through their association.

The controversy has sparked concern among members of the media fraternity, with some journalists questioning whether the money was handled in accordance with the understanding reached when the financial support was pledged.

According to a concerned journalist who spoke on condition of anonymity, Lumolo previously invited journalists to his home, where they shared a cup of tea and discussed ways of improving the welfare and incomes of members of the media fraternity.

The journalist said Lumolo subsequently pledged Shs10 million to support journalists, and that members collectively agreed that the money should be deposited on an association account rather than distributed individually.

“After that, he pledged to support us financially to uplift our income. He promised us Shs10 million, and we unanimously agreed that the money should be put in an association account,” the concerned journalist said.

The source added that months later, Lumolo released the money and confirmed that it had been sent to the association account.

However, questions have now emerged over what happened to the funds after they reached the account.

The concerned journalist alleges that the money was subsequently withdrawn by between five and seven individuals and shared among themselves, an action he described as unfair to other members of the association.

“It is very irritating and disturbing to now get information that the money was withdrawn from the account by five to seven individuals and shared among themselves,” the journalist said.

The allegations have created tension within sections of the Mbale media fraternity, with some members demanding greater transparency and accountability in the management of association resources.

One journalist who was reportedly among those who received money allegedly acknowledged receiving funds through a mobile money account but claimed not to have initially known their source.

According to the concerned journalist, the beneficiary said he only became aware of the source of the money after being contacted and informed later.

However, another beneficiary reportedly offered a different explanation, claiming that the money given to a few journalists was a separate “bonanza” or appreciation for journalists who had worked for Lumolo during the recent election period.

That claim has further complicated the controversy because it raises questions about whether the funds distributed to the selected journalists were part of the Shs10 million association support or constituted separate payments.

Seeking clarification, the concerned journalist said he personally approached Lumolo to establish the basis upon which some journalists would allegedly be appreciated while others were left out.

Lumolo, according to the journalist, denied giving journalists any other money as a “bonanza” or appreciation apart from the Shs10 million that he had pledged and delivered to the association account.

The conflicting accounts have therefore left some journalists demanding answers from those who handled the association funds.

The controversy has also raised broader questions about accountability within journalists' associations, particularly where money is received collectively for the benefit of members.

Journalists are traditionally expected to scrutinise public institutions, expose corruption and demand transparency from leaders and organisations. The current allegations have consequently generated concern among some members who argue that the same principles should apply within the media fraternity.

“If it is true, then it is very unfortunate and bad to hear. We journalists are the same people who condemn corruption and sectarianism. How then do we become victims?” the concerned journalist questioned.

The source further expressed concern that perceived favouritism and lack of transparency could deepen divisions among journalists in Mbale.

“Where are Mbale journalists heading if this is the case?” the journalist asked, warning that resentment could grow if some members feel that resources intended for the wider association are being controlled by a small group.

The allegations, however, remain claims by concerned journalists and have not independently established that the Shs10 million was unlawfully misappropriated. Questions about the association's financial records, withdrawal authorisations, minutes of meetings and the identities of authorised signatories could help clarify how the money was handled.

The controversy also underscores the importance of proper financial governance within professional associations. Clear records, transparent decisions, communication to members and accountability reports can help prevent misunderstandings whenever organisations receive financial assistance.

For the Mbale journalism fraternity, members are now calling for an explanation of how the Shs10 million was received, how it was spent or distributed, and whether the decisions were consistent with the agreement reached when the funds were pledged.

As tensions continue to emerge, journalists concerned about the matter say the issue should be resolved through dialogue, documentation and accountability rather than personal attacks.

The central question now remains whether the Shs10 million was used in accordance with the collective understanding of the journalists who agreed to have it channelled through their association, and whether any other payments made to individual journalists were separate from that contribution.

Those questions, concerned journalists say, can only be conclusively answered by the association's financial records and explanations from the individuals responsible for managing the funds