Political blogger and Patriotic League Uganda (PLU) staunch supporter Frank Mwesigye has issued a fresh update in the ongoing controversy surrounding Uganda’s coffee promotion initiatives, alleging that he was approached with inducements aimed at silencing his criticism of the programme.
Mwesigye, who has been vocal in questioning the management and cost of the coffee development events linked to Inspire Africa, claimed that an attempt was made to influence him after he raised concerns about alleged corruption in the “coffee marathon” initiative.
In a statement shared publicly, Mwesigye said a senior official connected to Inspire Africa reached out to him with what he described as offers of “favors and other benefits” in exchange for his silence.
He said he rejected the approach and insists he has evidence of the communication.
“One of the senior people from Inspire Africa called me last evening, offering me favors and other benefits as a way of silencing me, but I declined and I have evidence of it,” he said.
“I refused because my purpose is to fight corruption within my small means, and I will continue whistleblowing.”
He further distanced himself from the organisation, saying he has no interest in engaging with Inspire Africa. According to him, the allegations he is raising are driven by concern over public accountability rather than personal gain.
“There is absolutely nothing I want from Inspire Africa. They are too corrupt for me to associate with,” he added.
The blogger also escalated his dispute with former presidential assistant got research and information Duncan Abigaba, accusing him of mounting a coordinated effort to discredit him following his earlier remarks on the coffee promotion programme.
Mwesigye said Abigaba had blocked him and was engaging in what he termed a “blackmail campaign.”
He argued that attempts to silence him would not stop his criticism of the initiative, which he maintains is being mismanaged and lacks transparency in the use of public funds.
“Someone should help me tell Duncan Abigaba, since he blocked me, that the blackmail campaign he has started against me will not save the entire coffee marathon saga,” he said.
Mwesigye also made personal allegations against Abigaba, saying he should account for his current activities and past personal issues. He warned that continued attacks against him could lead to further disclosures.
“If he continues with this nonsense, I will reveal why he married a beautiful woman for only two weeks before she ran away from him,” he claimed, adding that Abigaba should also clarify his current source of livelihood.
The claims come amid growing online debate over the structure and financing of Uganda’s coffee promotion strategy, with critics calling for greater transparency and accountability in public-private initiatives linked to agricultural branding.