By Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, has hit back at social media allegations by members of the late Ramesh Narundas Ruperelia family, defending businessman Karim Hirji and urging for calm, dialogue, and due process.
In a forceful public response, Balaam, who calls himself a friend and “son” to the Hirji family, said the accusations levelled by one of Ramesh’s children are deeply painful and unfounded. The late Mzee Ramesh, who died in 1996, left behind four children Rina, Oboma, Ramesh and Amina whom he says were raised by Hirji and his late wife Cham. According to Balaam, Hirji provided for all their needs, paid for their schooling, and even gave them cars and capital to start their lives. Balaam also confirmed that Hirji continues to pay school fees for their children, whom he considers his grandchildren.
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But Balaam noted that no one from the Ruperelia siblings has formally complained to his ministry or approached him with a grievance, despite their public claims. He criticized how social media has become the battleground, saying: “Bring your concerns directly to us and we shall address them with utmost care, love, transparency and respect.”
While these particular allegations concern the Ruperelia children, Hirji has been embroiled in other very public disputes over property with his step-children from his late wife, Ziba “Charm” Nanyonga Hirji. Three of her children Linda, Ronald, and Anita Birungi have publicly accused Hirji of forging their mother’s will to exclude them from her multi-billion property estate.
The contested estate reportedly includes real estate in both Uganda and the UK, bank accounts, and life insurance.
The step-children have taken legal action, calling for letters of administration and alleging improper conversion and sale of their mother’s assets.
Balaam has promised to convene a meeting with all parties including Rina, Oboma, Ramesh and Amina to hear their side of the story, with a view toward a fair resolution. He said he may launch a formal investigation if needed.
“As a friend and guardian to this family, I remain committed to restoring harmony,” he added, urging everyone to “preserve the legacy and appreciate those who stood by us when no one else did.”
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