Sandra Ainebyoona.
Kampala, Uganda – In an ongoing legal saga at Buganda Road Court, two prominent figures in Kampala’s business community find themselves entangled in a complex dispute involving theft allegations, overdue rent, and the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Magistrate Sanula Namboozo is presiding over the case, which centers around city tycoon Nabukeera Christine and John Kabanda, Chairman of the Kampala Traders Body and the Kampala New Generation Traders Association.
Mr. Kabanda’s claims revolve around a significant theft incident that allegedly transpired on July 28, 2020. According to his allegations, Nabukeera Christine, a respected businesswoman based in Kampala, unlawfully entered his shop at Nana Center and purportedly took away 43 bags of shoes valued at USh350 million. The alleged theft also involved USh172 million in cash and important business documents. Kabanda further contends that Nabukeera tampered with his shop’s door during the COVID-19 lockdown, claiming that her actions stemmed from frustration over accrued rent arrears due to pandemic-related restrictions.
Nabukeera’s defense, supported by her son Vincent Mawanda, hinges on her assertion that Kabanda orchestrated a movement among tenants to withhold rent payments during the pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020. This, she contends, placed her in dire financial straits and created substantial challenges.
During his testimony, Kabanda detailed his acquisition of shop B21 in NANA Centre, citing a purchase transaction with Muhame Allan on July 27, 2016. To corroborate his claims, he presented a sale agreement bearing his signature, a crucial piece of evidence before the court.
However, the defense, led by lawyers Macdusman Kabega and Anguria Joseph, raised a pivotal legal concern. They pointed out that the sales agreement was not directly forged with Nabukeera Christine herself, but with another individual, raising questions about Kabanda’s entitlement to the shop in question.
A twist emerged with the revelation that Kabanda possesses trading licenses from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) spanning the years 2018 through 2021. These licenses notably display his name and designate the shop as B21. Nonetheless, it was brought to light that Kabanda lacks a direct tenancy agreement with Nabukeera Christine, who is the proprietor of Nana Centre where his shop is located.
As both sides continue to present their arguments and evidence, the court has adjourned the proceedings to September 25th and 26th, 2023, starting at 10 am, for further hearings.
