OWC's Gen. Kayanja Loses Court Battle over Matugga Land
Operation Wealth Creation (OWC’s) Maj Gen Elly Kayanja has lost yet another land-related battle in court after the High Court (Civil Division) judge, Lydia Mugambe ordered him to pay businessman, Gerald Batte Shs 255 million arising from a bogus land deal.
In his application, Batte told court that on March 19, 2018, he bought land at Matugga, Wakiso district measuring 11 acres, comprised on Block 91 Plot 3 at Matugga – Kyaddondo. The total value for the land was Shs 920 million with Batte making the first instalment of Shs 200 million and promised to pay the balance upon completion of surveying the said land.
The two parties agreed that Kayanja would refund the money should there be any third parties challenging the land transaction. Batte explained that when he commenced the survey process, third parties showed up claiming they have interested in the land and have since made it impossible for him to survey it and take full possession.
Court further heard that on May 14, 2018, Kayanja’s lawyers from M/S Kayanja and Company Advocates requested for a month to settle Batte’s claims in vain.
In her judgment, Justice Lydia Mugambe said there is evidence that Kayanja acknowledged receipt of the money in question.
She there directed Gen. Kayanja to refund the money and pay Batte an additional Shs 30 million as compensation for the inconveniences caused to him, hiring brokers and surveyors.
She also awarded Batte Shs 25 million as general damages to cater for the embarrassment caused to him. The money will attract 25 percent interest per annum effective March 2018 up to when full payment is made.
The military man has previously been embroiled in a string of land-related battles in courts and as lowly as offices of resident district commissioners (RDCs) many of which, have been adjudicated in the favour of his accusers.
