Museveni’s Minister Balaam Defends Businessman Karim Hirji On Trending Accusations – Vows To Arrest Those Pinning Him

Youth and Children Affairs State Minister Balaam Barugahara has come out strongly in defence of veteran businessman Karim Hirji after a video circulated online accusing him of mistreating the children of the late Mzee Ramesh Narundas Ruperelia. The minister described the claims as deeply unfair, emotionally upsetting, and disconnected from the decades-long relationship Hirji has had with the family.

According to Balaam, the accusations ignore a history that stretches back nearly thirty years. He explained that when Mzee Ramesh died in December 1996, he left behind four children—Rina, Oboma, Ramesh, and Amina. These children, Balaam emphasized, grew up entirely under the guardianship and care of Hirji.

“I have grown up with them since the mid-1990s,” Balaam said on November 18 2025. “The responsibility of raising these children was entrusted to Mzee Karim Hirji and his dear late wife, Cham, who cared for them faithfully from that time to the present day.”

Balaam noted that Hirji took on the role of a parent in every sense, ensuring the children received not only food and shelter but also education and financial support. He pointed out that Hirji went beyond standard guardianship, helping the siblings start their own lives by giving them capital and even expensive cars in an effort to empower them.

He stressed that at no point did Hirji show discrimination or favoritism among the children, treating each of them with the same commitment and affection.

“These current allegations of harassment are extremely serious, especially when directed at a guardian who stepped in when they needed support the most,” he said.

Balaam also highlighted that Hirji, now 80, continues to support the next generation of the family, paying school fees for the children of the Ruperelia siblings. The minister expressed concern about the emotional toll such accusations could have on an elderly man who has dedicated much of his lifetime to the welfare of these children.

“It is deeply painful for an 80-year-old father and grandfather who has dedicated so much of his life to raising these children to now face defamatory claims,” he said.

He further revealed that none of the siblings, now adults, had ever submitted a formal complaint to his office, which oversees issues involving the rights and welfare of children. This, he said, raises questions about the sudden decision to air grievances publicly rather than through responsible channels.

Balaam announced that he would convene a meeting involving all concerned parties to determine the facts and, if warranted, initiate a formal investigation. He blamed the growing culture of online accusations for escalating personal disputes into public drama.

He urged the Ruperelia siblings to seek dialogue rather than turning to social media.

“My appeal to Ramesh and Rina is this: do not use social media to blackmail your guardian or father,” he said.

“Bring your concerns directly to us, and we shall address them with utmost care, love, transparency, and respect.”

Balaam emphasized that while no one is above the law, any discussion must be grounded in truth, fairness, and respect for those who stepped in during difficult times.

“We must preserve the legacy and appreciate those who stood by us at a time when no one else was there to support us into becoming who we are today,” he said.

This is not the first time Balaam has spoken about Hirji’s personal impact on his life. In a 2019 interview with NTV, he said the businessman influenced his work ethic by teaching him the value of waking up at 5 am. Balaam explained that the early morning hours proved to be his most productive and allowed him to complete most of his work by early afternoon, freeing the rest of the day for supervision and management.

Through his comments, Balaam painted a picture of a man who has not only shaped the lives of the Ruperelia children but also inspired others through discipline, mentorship, and long-term commitment.