By Our Reporter
When James Garuga Musinguzi passed away on today August 6, 2025, the nation mourned a man of rare courage — the one who dared to challenge and defeat the then powerful Minister Amama Mbabazi in court. But beyond the courtroom drama and political bravery, Garuga was sitting on a fortune that few in Uganda ever fully understood.
From tea factories sprawled across Kigezi to a luxury resort on the shores of Lake Victoria, Garuga built a sprawling multi-billion-shilling empire quietly, meticulously, and with a deep-rooted commitment to community.
From Orphan to Billionaire
Born in 1953 in Kihiihi Town Council, Kanungu District, Garuga lost his father at 13 and worked odd jobs to support his family. Yet this modest beginning only fueled his rise. He attended Kinkiizi Primary School, Mbarara High, Makerere College School, and later graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor’s in Commerce — later adding a Law degree to his résumé.
His professional career began as an accountant with Rayon Textiles and Shell Uganda, but Garuga’s ambition quickly outgrew employment. He transitioned into business — and into legend.
The Business Empire
Garuga was not just a businessman; he was a mogul. At the time of his death, his known assets included:
Kigezi Highland Tea Company, which owned thousands of acres of tea plantations and operated two tea factories in Kabale and Kisoro.
Garuga Resort Beach Hotel, a prime lakeside luxury facility in Entebbe, highly popular among elite tourists.
Safari Lodge in Kyenjojo, a quiet gem for tourists who visit Kibale National Park.
Savana Hotel and Resort in Kanungu, which caters for tourists flying in via his privately owned 1.8km Savana Airstrip — a rare asset in private hands.
Kamwenge Community Development Project, which included a 350-acre farm, a modern maize milling factory, complete with driers, warehouses, and packaging lines.
Matanda and Katete ranches in Kanungu, along with several expansive farms in the Bunyoro sub-region.
Kanungu Broadcasting Services (KBS Radio), a radio station in which serve as a voice for the region.
Garuga’s empire wasn’t just vast — it was strategic. He dominated the value chain: from agriculture to processing to logistics, and from tourism to media.
Though conservative in lifestyle, industry insiders estimate his wealth to have been in the hundreds of billions of shillings, making him one of Uganda’s richest men — albeit one who shunned the limelight.
Political Courage:
The Man Who Shook Mbabazi; While many remember Garuga for his quiet wealth, his name was etched in Uganda’s political memory in 2001, when he contested and lost the Kinkiizi West parliamentary seat to then-powerful Minister of Defence, Amama Mbabazi. But Garuga didn’t take it lying down.
In a daring legal battle, Election Petition No. HCT‑05‑CV‑EPA‑0003 of 2001, he accused Mbabazi of electoral malpractice, violence, and intimidation. On May 17, 2002, the High Court in Mbarara nullified Mbabazi’s win — a ruling later upheld by the Court of Appeal. Yet Garuga chose not to contest the by-election, citing concerns for his supporters’ safety.
It was a rare act of political defiance and moral strength.
Father of the Opposition
A founding member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Garuga wasn’t just a political figure — he was a backbone. He donated the land and facilities that became the iconic Najjanankumbi headquarters of FDC.
Even when the party split, he joined the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), proving his loyalty to ideals over personalities. He was known to bankroll opposition activities, but never sought front-page glory.
Philanthropy Rooted in Home
Garuga’s philanthropic work, especially through the Diocese of Kinkiizi, touched schools, hospitals, and youth projects. He firmly believed that wealth without social impact was hollow.
“He believed in justice, fairness, and integrity — not just in politics, but in business and life,” said a family member.
The Final Goodbye
Garuga died at Nakasero Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Peace Garuga, four children, and a nation that owes him more than it ever gave back.
In him, Uganda lost a billionaire who built with vision, a politician who stood for truth, and a patriot who never compromised his conscience.
