In the video, Ramesh alleges that after he and his siblings lost their parents, they were placed under Hirji’s care, but instead suffered various abuses
Minister Balaam Barugahara responds to molestation allegations against Tycoon Karim Hirji
Minister of State for Youth and Children
Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has issued a detailed statement responding to
serious allegations made on social media against businessman and hotel tycoon Karim
Hirji.
The allegations were raised by Ramesh, a Ugandan TikToker and content
creator, who identifies himself as the son of the late Mzee Ramesh Narundas
Ruperelia. In a viral video shared widely on TikTok, WhatsApp, X, Facebook,
and other platforms, Ramesh accuses Hirji of mistreatment and molestation
during his childhood.
In the video, Ramesh alleges that
after he and his siblings lost their parents, they were placed under Hirji’s
care, but instead suffered various abuses. He further claims that the tycoon
“took advantage” of their vulnerability, mistreated his sisters, and allegedly
subjected his daughters to similar acts. Ramesh also makes further unverified
claims, including accusations related to rituals and psychological harm.
He additionally accuses Hirji of attempting to “silence” his sisters with
expensive gifts and called on Minister Barugahara to intervene, stating that
the minister “knows what happened.”
The Video can be watched from here:
https://x.com/Humanrights256/status/1990444289969586591?s=20
Minister Barugahara Issues Statement
In a formal response issued Tuesday, Minister Balaam Barugahara expressed
concern over the circulating video, while defending the character of his
long-time acquaintance, Karim Hirji.
“I have seen a video circulating on social media in which my good friend,
elder, and business mentor is mentioned, and my own name is referenced,”
Barugahara said.
He stated that he has known the four siblings—Rina, Oboma, Ramesh, and
Amina—from the mid-1990s and emphasized that their upbringing had been
entrusted to Hirji and his late wife, Cham, following the death of their father
in 1996.
According to Barugahara, Hirji supported the children “as a true parent,” providing education, financial assistance, and even helping them start their adult lives with capital and cars. “At no point has he ever discriminated against any of them. These allegations are extremely serious—especially when directed at a guardian who stepped in when they needed support the most,” he noted.
The minister further said that Hirji still pays school fees for some of the children’s offspring, whom he considers his grandchildren.
No Official Complaint Filed
Barugahara clarified that no formal complaint or report has ever been submitted
to his office or any child protection agency concerning the alleged
misconduct.
“None of the now-grown men and women has ever approached my office, which
oversees children’s affairs, to report any complaint or allegation against Mr.
Hirji,” he stated.
Next Steps
The minister announced that he will convene a meeting with all involved parties
to hear their accounts, and based on the outcome, a formal investigation may
follow.
“At the appropriate time, I will convene a meeting with all parties mentioned
so they can present the facts. We may consider a proper and formal
investigation thereafter.”
He urged the siblings to refrain from using social media to address family
grievances.
“Do not use social media to blackmail your guardian or father. Bring your
concerns directly to us, and we shall address them with utmost care, love,
transparency, and respect,” Barugahara appealed.
He added that while Hirji deserves recognition for supporting the family for
decades, “no one is above the law.”
The minister concluded by expressing his desire to help reconcile the
family.
“We must preserve the legacy and appreciate those who stood by us at a time
when no one else did,” he said.
bout Karim Hirji
Karim Hirji is a prominent Ugandan businessman, hotelier, and entrepreneur. He
is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest individuals in Uganda, with an
estimated net worth of approximately US$800 million.
Hirji is best known for his vast business empire, including ownership of the
Imperial Hotels Group, one of the largest hotel chains in the
country. He is also the proprietor of CHAM Towers, a landmark
commercial building in the heart of Kampala. In addition, he heads the Dembe
Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate with interests in
broadcasting, automobile sales, finance and insurance, hospitality, and
entertainment—including an amusement park and several premium hotels.
He is also known as a motor sport fan having been a contestant and winner in
the golden era of the 90s. Karim Hirji stood out as a driver who thrived on
unpredictability. Piloting the Toyota Celica ST, Hirji clinched three
consecutive National Championships from 1993 to 1995, adding an element of
surprise to every event.
