By Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, April 15, 2024 | The legal counsel representing Akamwesi Limited has issued a threat to sue the Daily Monitor , one of Uganda’s leading daily for defamation following the publication of a story titled “AKAMWESI PROPRIETOR REMANDED OVER FORGERY” on April 15, 2024.
According to Elgon Advocates, the Daily Monitor falsely portrayed Mr. Robert Twinomujuni as the proprietor of Akamwesi Limited in their story. The legal representatives of Akamwesi Limited asserted that the article was fake news, baseless, and intended to tarnish the reputation of their client.
In response to the allegations, Elgon Advocates demanded that the Daily Monitor retract the story and publish an apology on the front page of their newspaper in the immediate next issue, scheduled for April 16, 2024. Additionally, they requested punitive damages of $500,000 USD and legal fees of $50,000 to be paid within seven days.
The controversy stems from the Daily Monitor’s report on April 15, 2024, which stated that City Businessman Robert, purportedly the proprietor of Akamwesi Properties, had been remanded to Luzira Prison. The report detailed charges of forgery related to fraudulent land sales in Ntungamo District. Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi remanded Twinomujuni until the upcoming Thursday for a bail hearing.
Twinomujuni faces accusations of uttering false documents, forgery of acknowledgment of receipt of money from land sale agreements, and forgery of national identity cards. Despite presenting five sureties, prosecution led by Ms. Joan Keko requested four days to authenticate the particulars of the sureties and documents.
As the legal battle unfolds, both the Daily Monitor and Akamwesi Limited find themselves embroiled in a contentious dispute over the accuracy and implications of the published story. It remains to be seen whether Daily Monitor will adhere to the lawyers’ demands or whether the battle will end up in court.
