Kampala, Uganda — The Kingdom of Eswatini has officially dismissed its Honorary Consul in Uganda, Quilino Bamwine, after serious allegations emerged linking him to fraud, extortion, and a criminal land deal.
The decision, announced in a letter dated October 31, 2025, was made by Eswatini’s Ambassador to the African Union, Mahlaba A. Mamba, who stated that Mr. Bamwine had ignored previous warnings and continued to engage in questionable activities despite intervention attempts from Ugandan authorities.
Ambassador Mamba said additional evidence had surfaced showing the consul’s involvement in “extortion, fraud, and other criminal actions,” particularly concerning a suspicious land transaction that could amount to a criminal offense.
He further revealed that both government officials and private citizens had repeatedly lodged complaints about Bamwine’s conduct. “The Embassy has been left with no choice but to report your actions to the relevant authorities,” the ambassador wrote, confirming the immediate revocation of Bamwine’s appointment.
The letter, which was also sent to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, describing Bamwine’s behavior as “unprofessional and unacceptable.” It detailed an incident where he reportedly confronted the ambassador in an aggressive manner after being questioned about the allegations.
According to officials familiar with the matter, Eswatini’s decision reflects its determination to protect its diplomatic reputation, which Bamwine allegedly compromised by misusing his position for personal gain and manipulating property deals.
The case comes amid growing concerns about corruption within Uganda’s diplomatic circles. Earlier in 2025, Uganda’s envoy to Nigeria was recalled over financial misconduct, while several other officials have faced corruption-related scandals in recent years.
Governance experts say this latest development underscores the urgent need for tighter monitoring and vetting of Uganda’s honorary consuls—most of whom are businesspeople appointed to represent foreign interests without direct government pay.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued an official statement on the matter but is reportedly reviewing the incident. Analysts believe this could be an opportunity for Uganda to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption and restoring confidence in its diplomatic appointments.
Eswatini’s action is expected to set a strong example for other nations to take firm measures when their representatives are accused of unethical conduct.