KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi has threatened legal action against Ugandan music star Moses Ssali, popularly known as Bebe Cool, over allegations linking her to an alleged fraud scheme, escalating a dispute that has attracted widespread attention on social media.
The controversy began after Bebe Cool published posts on his verified X account accusing Mutesi of involvement in a scam that allegedly targeted him in 2025. The accusations quickly sparked debate online, prompting Mutesi to seek legal redress.
In a statement posted on her X account, Mutesi said she had formally handed the matter over to her lawyers.
“To the general public, I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool lightly and, in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel,” Mutesi wrote.
A legal notice dated June 17, 2026, and issued by Mbidde & Co. Advocates, gave Bebe Cool 48 hours to retract the allegations and issue an unconditional apology or face legal proceedings.
According to the notice, Mutesi’s lawyers described the musician’s claims as “grossly defamatory” and intended to expose their client to public ridicule and contempt.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our client has never at any material time engaged in any dealings, correspondence, or nexus whatsoever with you,” the lawyers stated.
The legal team further argued that the allegations stemmed from a telephone number allegedly used by imposters who had falsely represented themselves as Mutesi.
According to the notice, Mutesi had publicly warned followers as early as October 2024 about individuals misusing her identity for fraudulent purposes. Her lawyers contend that the same telephone number cited by Bebe Cool had previously been flagged publicly as being associated with scammers.
Mbidde & Co. Advocates demanded that Bebe Cool cease making further allegations, publish a prominent apology and retraction, and disclose the sources of information upon which he based his claims.
The dispute, however, appeared to take a new turn on Thursday after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, reportedly intervened.
In a statement posted on X, Bebe Cool revealed that Muhoozi had advised both parties to resolve the matter privately.
“This morning I received a call from my big brother, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, regarding the issue with Jolly. As my elder and leader, he advised me to drop it, delete the tweets, and resolve it amicably off social media since we are both family to him and there is no need for a public spat,” Bebe Cool said.
The singer added: “I appreciate his guidance and agree.”
Following the statement, observers began speculating that the matter could be settled out of court if both parties agree to a reconciliation process.
Neither Mutesi nor her legal team had publicly commented on Bebe Cool’s announcement by press time.
The dispute has generated significant discussion across social media platforms, with supporters of both parties debating the merits of the allegations and the legal response.
Legal experts note that Uganda’s cyber laws and defamation provisions increasingly place public figures under scrutiny for statements made on social media, particularly where allegations of criminal conduct are involved.
Whether the dispute proceeds to court or is resolved through mediation remains to be seen, but the intervention by Gen. Muhoozi has introduced a possible path toward an amicable settlement between the two public figures.
