By KT Reporter
Kabale district local government is struggling to raise shillings 155 million to pay as compensation after losing a court case. The case that stems from a dispute in 2014 started when Kabale district local government while opening a district road connecting Bigaga trading centre and Katojo in Butanda sub county without consent trespassed into the land of Engineer Hillary Mugisha causing destruction
Mugisha’s house developed cracks as a result of the road construction.
Mugisha petitioned Kabale High court in a civil suit number 0005 demanding compensation. Court ruled in his favor and ordered Kabale district local government to pay him shillings 155 million as compensation.
During the council session at District council hall, councilors recommended that the district pay the money in installments by paying shillings 30 million per financial year.
Richard Mporeera, councilor representing elder persons, says the district lost the case because it did not file defense since district authorities and solicitor general failed to file defense or pick interest of negotiating with the plaintiff.
Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagyizi, district speaker says there is nothing to do other than using taxpayers’ money and pay the Mugisha who won the case because it is the fault of the district and solicitor general of not filing defense. Kanagyizi says the district has hardly won cases filed against it due to the same weakness of not filing defense. She also expresses worry that if nothing is done, the district shall lose many other cases it is battling with individuals who are targeting government land.
Ronald Mutegeki, Kabale district Chief Administrative Officer, attributes the persistence of the problem in the district to lack of commitment. Mutegeki says there is a need to consult the office of the solicitor general to find out the exact cause of the problem.
He advises that in such cases where defense is not filed, the district should hire private lawyers. Mutegeki adds that he has already compiled a report about over 30 cases the district is battling.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
