The Bamwine dam dispute has intensified after Quilino Bamwine was removed as consul of Eswatini to Uganda, following a breakdown in negotiations linked to a stalled infrastructure project.
Officials confirmed that his appointment was revoked in a letter dated 31 October 2025. The document cited allegations of fraud, extortion and involvement in a disputed land transaction, while also stating that he failed to respond to prior warnings.
However, sources familiar with the developments say his removal is closely connected to his role in efforts to resolve the Kabuyanda earth dam dispute in Isingiro District.
The dam project, valued at Shs 86bn, was launched in May 2023 and expected to be completed within 30 months. It was designed to improve irrigation and water access in the region. Instead, it has stalled due to legal battles and contractual disagreements.
The dispute began in 2022 when Plinth Technical Services entered into a partnership with Inyatsi Construction Ltd. Relations deteriorated in October 2023 when Inyatsi terminated the subcontract with the Ugandan firm.
Plinth threatened legal action, while Inyatsi escalated the matter by referring it to the International Chamber of Commerce before withdrawing from the project.
The Ugandan company later sought relief in local courts, obtaining a temporary order blocking a Shs 21.2bn payment to Inyatsi and demanding Shs 5bn in legal costs. Although that decision was later overturned, the dispute contributed to delays and uncertainty around the project.
With construction stalled, Bamwine was asked to intervene. People familiar with the process say he travelled to Eswatini with a Ugandan delegation to broker a settlement and encourage the contractor to return to complete the work.
Early talks suggested progress. Sources indicate that both sides reached a verbal agreement involving a $4m settlement. However, negotiations later broke down over disagreements on payment guarantees.
Plinth reportedly insisted on firm assurances, while Inyatsi declined to provide them. Bamwine is said to have proposed a $2m down payment as a compromise, but the proposal failed.
As discussions collapsed, scrutiny turned to his role. Some sources say he was acting to protect Ugandan interests and recover funds already advanced to the contractor. Others argue he exceeded his diplomatic mandate.
According to one account, reports submitted to Eswatini’s foreign affairs authorities portrayed him as acting beyond his official responsibilities. The situation was further complicated by the involvement of influential figures linked to the contractor, increasing pressure on decision-makers.
Bamwine declined to comment when contacted, saying the matter remains under investigation and that he would respond once the process is complete.
The dispute is now before the International Chamber of Commerce, where arbitration proceedings are ongoing. The outcome is expected to determine financial responsibility and contractual obligations between the parties.
Meanwhile, the Kabuyanda dam remains unfinished. The delay has raised concerns about public spending and the impact on communities that were expected to benefit from the project.
Observers say the case highlights the challenges of managing cross-border infrastructure projects, particularly when commercial disputes intersect with diplomatic and political interests.
