KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan music star Bebe Cool has stepped back from his public dispute with former Miss Rwanda Jolly Mutesi, saying he will resolve the matter privately following intervention from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The development comes days after the singer publicly accused Mutesi of involvement in an alleged scam and released screenshots of conversations he claimed linked her to the scheme.
In a statement shared on social media, Bebe Cool said he had received a phone call from Gen Muhoozi, who advised both parties to end the public confrontation.
“This morning I received a call from my big brother, @mkainerugaba, 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 wrote.
“I appreciate his guidance and agree.”
The singer’s decision marks a significant shift in a dispute that had escalated into threats of legal action and attracted attention in both Uganda and Rwanda.
Allegations and counterclaims
The controversy began after Bebe Cool alleged that he had been targeted in an elaborate scam involving promises of sponsorship opportunities, football connections and business links associated with Rwanda and English Premier League side Arsenal.
To support his claims, the musician published screenshots of conversations with a contact saved as “Jolly UK Arsenal Stadium.”
In the exchanges, the individual allegedly claimed to be connected to Rwanda’s diplomatic mission in London, the Visit Rwanda campaign, Arsenal Football Club and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Bebe Cool further claimed he had previously seen Mutesi at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London before receiving messages and calls from the individual. He later appealed to Rwandan President Paul Kagame to investigate the matter, arguing that the alleged scheme was damaging Rwanda’s reputation.
However, the screenshots did not independently verify the identity of the person behind the account.
Mutesi denies involvement
Mutesi consistently denied any involvement in the alleged scam, maintaining that she was a victim of identity theft and online impersonation.
She accused Bebe Cool of failing to verify the identity of the individual before making public allegations.
“First and foremost, I regret that you were scammed by an impersonator, but please next time use common sense and fact-check before making allegations on people’s names,” she said in an earlier response.
Her legal team, Mbidde & Co. Advocates, subsequently issued a formal notice demanding that the singer retract his statements, issue an apology and cease making further allegations against their client.
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The lawyers argued that Mutesi had never communicated with Bebe Cool and had no connection to the UK telephone number he publicly associated with her.
They further cited public warnings reportedly issued by Mutesi in October 2024 alerting followers to fraudsters using her name, photographs and identity online.
The notice gave the musician 48 hours to comply and warned of legal proceedings if he failed to do so.
Uncertainty over legal action
Bebe Cool’s latest statement suggests a willingness to de-escalate the dispute and pursue a private resolution.
However, it remains unclear whether the parties have reached a formal settlement or whether the threatened legal action by Mutesi’s lawyers will proceed.
Neither Mutesi nor her legal representatives had publicly commented on Bebe Cool’s decision at the time of publication.
The episode has sparked wider debate about online impersonation, identity theft and the risks associated with social media-based fraud schemes that increasingly target public figures across East Africa.
