Ousted Driver Fabricated Spy Story to Evade Misconduct Charges, Embassy Says

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Uganda issued a clarification Monday, stating that its former driver, Isaac Makubuya, fabricated claims that the mission labeled him a spy to deflect attention from his own serious misconduct. The story has garnered significant media attention in both Kampala and Juba.

According to official Embassy records, Makubuya was suspended in May this year and later dismissed after being found guilty of multiple disciplinary offenses, including extortion, insubordination and failure to remit taxes. Embassy officials said Makubuya’s contract was terminated after he became aggressive when confronted with evidence of his wrongdoing.

Following his dismissal, Makubuya allegedly launched an online smear campaign, claiming the Embassy had unjustly branded him a spy and fired him unfairly. However, an Embassy official based in Nakasero refuted the allegations, asserting the espionage story was entirely fabricated after his termination. The official stressed that the mission fully complied with Ugandan labor regulations and had already processed Makubuya’s final salary arrears through the relevant authorities in Juba.

Makubuya’s allegations have since been discredited after two of his former colleagues — drivers Stephen Kiyaga and Mohamed Musoga — publicly distanced themselves from the claims. In a signed statement, they clarified that they “are not aware of how this particular information came about” and emphasized that they are pursuing their payments through official channels, not through the media.

Embassy sources described Makubuya’s conduct as a “malicious and irresponsible attempt to damage the Embassy’s reputation and disrupt the cordial relations between South Sudan and Uganda.” They also called on journalists to exercise caution and verify information with official sources before publishing such unfounded stories.

Both the Ugandan and South Sudanese Ministries of Foreign Affairs have been briefed on the matter and have reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining mutual respect and strong bilateral cooperation, assuring citizens in both nations that the diplomatic relationship remains strong despite the incident.