We are issuing this unequivocal retraction, and apology to Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Senior Counsel and Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda, regarding the article titled “Kiryowa, Ggoobi Names Appear in Plot to Arrest Accountant General Semakula,” published in The Observer from February 12–18, 2025.
Upon further and thorough scrutiny, we have found it untrue to state that Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka was involved in an alleged “conspiracy to mudsling and punish the Accountant General, Lawrence Semakula, who, along with eight other staff members from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, has been arrested and charged with certain offenses in connection with the loss or theft of approximately $14.7 million USD.”
In the same article, The Observer further alleged that Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka was part of “a network of high-profile persons in government who conspired against Semakula and were syndicated in dealing a bad blow to him at whatever time and cost.”
As a consequence of this publication, on February 12, 2025, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka wrote a letter referenced AG/Gen/69, demanding a “Retraction of False and Malicious Allegations, and an Apology.”
In response, The Observer issued a “Clarification,” which was published in the newspaper and uploaded on its website (www.observer.ug) on February 19, 2025. However, in this clarification, The Observer maintained that, as the chief government legal advisor, the Attorney General had provided legal guidance to government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, where Semakula is employed.
After a careful review of available documents, we have since verified that at no time was Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka involved in any form of defamation or in orchestrating the arrest of Mr. Semakula and the other officials.
Our misrepresentation stemmed from an unintentional human error, as we relied on what initially appeared to be authentic records. However, there was no malice or intent to harm Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka’s reputation. We sincerely regret any damage caused to the Attorney General.
We hereby retract and apologize for the article published on February 12, 2025, which falsely alleged that the Attorney General and other government officials were involved in a plot to have the Accountant General dismissed, arrested, and prosecuted for corruption.
This information was incorrect, and we have since verified that no such plot existed. We commit to ensuring that any future articles related to this matter will be thoroughly verified before publication.
Moving forward, we shall cease to publish any articles related to this matter without prior verification from the Attorney General. In conclusion, The Observer wishes to assure the Attorney General and the general public that our newspaper had no intention of damaging the reputation of Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka or any other individual involved.
As a responsible media entity, when we make mistakes, we take full responsibility by correcting them and offering an apology. We believe that integrity and accountability are the pillars of responsible journalism. Offering a public apology is often a greater penalty than any other, as it compels us to confront our errors and uphold journalistic ethics.
We deeply regret the harm caused and hope that our continued commitment to truth and transparency will allow us to maintain your trust and of our readers.
– Management
I doubt whether Hon Kiryowa Kiwanuka has any “reputation” left to hold on to. The fellow seems not to know what goes on around the country! Do you remember his answers to the dissolution of the Military Tribunal by the Supreme Court? Man, the guy is just fed what to say. The Observer may be sorry for that one particular incident but overall this guys reputation is already in rags!
Am no so sure if Kiryowa Kiwanuka is innocent in this matter, his behaviour these days speaks volumes of what is in his heart