18th September 2023.
KAMPALA, Uganda – In a surprising turn of events, a court has ruled in favor of a man who took legal action against his girlfriend, ordering her to repay over UGX 14 million (approximately $3,800 USD). The verdict comes after the woman was found guilty of misappropriating funds intended for a joint business venture, shedding light on the importance of documenting agreements in business transactions.
The case revolved around a partnership between Isaac Kumakech and Patience Ngaimita, who initially met on Facebook and embarked on a romantic relationship that eventually led to plans for marriage. Kumakech, pursuing his master’s degree in the United States, and Ngaimita, working at a commercial bank branch in Mbale, dreamt of starting a bar and restaurant business together. To formalize their partnership, they even established a company named Living Room Limited, with both serving as directors.
Kumakech began sending money to Ngaimita to kickstart their dream. However, the relationship took a sour turn when Kumakech accused Ngaimita of diverting the funds for personal use, rather than for the intended business purposes. Allegedly, she even deceitfully led him to believe she had quit her job to focus on their business.
To support his claims, Kumakech presented evidence, including the business proposal Ngaimita had sent him and a trail of funds transferred to her account. In response, Ngaimita argued that the money was intended for her personal upkeep and could not be considered a recoverable gift from her boyfriend or intimate partner. She also claimed to have sent Kumakech a business proposal, to which she received no response.
Magistrate Martins Kirya, in delivering the verdict, emphasized the deceitful nature of Ngaimita’s actions towards her boyfriend. Kirya highlighted the significant amount of money involved, which indicated a genuine intention to invest in the business. The magistrate also noted that Ngaimita’s resignation letter from her job appeared to be fake, further eroding her credibility.
As a result of the court’s ruling, Ngaimita has been ordered to repay UGX 14,952,335, representing the funds she received during the establishment of their company, with an additional annual interest rate of 25%. Moreover, Ngaimita was penalized with punitive damages amounting to UGX 1,000,000 for her fraudulent actions.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of documenting agreements in business transactions, regardless of the personal relationship between the parties involved. The verdict underscores the critical role of written records in aiding courts in resolving disputes, ensuring fairness, and upholding justice.
While this case may be an unusual twist in the realm of business disputes, it ultimately highlights the need for transparency, trust, and clear communication in any partnership, whether romantic or professional.
