Re: False Allegations by Professor Badru Kateregga
I wish to address the recent allegations made by my husband, Professor Badru Kateregga, which have been widely circulated in the media and on online platforms. These allegations — claiming that I assaulted him and attempted to take over his businesses and property — are completely false, malicious, and have caused immense emotional and psychological distress to me and our children.
Our Relationship & Contribution to Kampala University
I met Professor Kateregga in 2010 as a young university student. Despite my parents’ objections due to our age difference, I chose to marry him in 2012, believing in the love and future he promised. I committed myself wholly to our marriage and to supporting the growth of Kampala University, which was struggling at the time.
As a member of the Board of Trustees and Director of Finance and Marketing, I worked tirelessly to stabilize and expand the institution. I helped pay off debts and drive student enrollment, efforts that led to the establishment of new branches in Uganda and beyond.
Throughout our marriage, I balanced this demanding work with my roles as wife, mother to our three children, and caregiver to Professor Kateregga during his numerous health challenges. I also oversaw the care of his mother. I remained committed to our home and family even when our marriage faced serious challenges — primarily due to his repeated infidelity, some of which involved university students.
False Allegations & Health Misrepresentations
In September 2024, Professor Kateregga suddenly left our home, claiming he needed medical care from his older children. Unknown to me, he underwent tests at various hospitals. Contrary to the allegations of assault, hospital reports confirmed he had blood clots — not injuries caused by violence. Scars from surgery to remove those clots are now being misrepresented as wounds I allegedly inflicted.
Despite claims that I held him incommunicado from June to September 2024, he was publicly active — attending functions, funerals, and even traveling abroad. These facts are on public record. It is inconceivable that someone who was allegedly confined could freely appear at public events.
Business Disputes & Legal Action
The breakdown of our relationship appears more tied to business and property disputes.
After our marriage in 2012, I was included in the ownership and management of Kampala University. I was formally co-opted as a company director and member of the Board of Trustees, and I served as Director of Finance and Marketing — a position I executed with dedication to the institution’s growth and success.
Amidst later family discord, Professor Kateregga, alongside others, forged my signature and unlawfully removed me from my roles at the university. I was denied access to university premises and accounts, despite being a director and instrumental to its development.
It is unfortunate and misleading that Professor Kateregga now accuses me of attempting to take over his businesses, despite my rightful involvement and long-standing contributions to Kampala University.
I have since sought legal redress through the High Court (Civil Suit No. 0143 of 2025) and the Family Court for child maintenance (Family Cause 316 of 2024). The Director of Public Prosecutions reviewed the criminal file against me and found no grounds for prosecution, confirming this matter as a civil family dispute — not a criminal case.
Emotional Toll & Plea for Justice
These unfounded accusations have deeply affected me and our children. We have been harassed, humiliated, and subjected to false and degrading narratives. The recent DNA testing — which I did not oppose — was conducted under intimidating circumstances, further traumatizing our children.
My only “crime” appears to be that I am a woman, a wife of Rwandan origin, who dared to stand up for herself and her children. I trusted, served, and supported my husband in all ways possible.
I now ask the media and the public to consider the facts and refrain from judging me based on one-sided accounts.
I remain committed to seeking justice through the appropriate legal channels. I only ask for fairness, dignity, and the opportunity to tell my story without fear or persecution. My prayer is for the truth to be known, and for God to vindicate me and my children.
Issued by:
Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga
April 2025
