Kasiwukira's murder: Kirumira sues three tabloids for defamation

Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala (L) sharing a light moment with City Businessman Godfrey Kirumira (R) at a fundraising drive for St. Charles Lwanga Ntinda Sub Parish Church recently. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OTAGE

KAMPALA

Businessman Godfrey Kirumira has sued three local sister tabloid newspapers for alleged defamation.
Kirumira, also the chairperson of Kwagalana Group, a social club of prominent business moguls, has petitioned the High Court to order the tabloids: Hello Uganda , Red Pepper and Kamunye to stop publishing articles that portray him as the prime suspect in the murder of city businessman Eria Ssebunya Bugembe aka Kasiwukira on 17 October 2014.
After Kasiwukira’s death Kwagalana Group members led by Kirumira announced a reward of Shs15m to any person who would give useful information to police to identify and arrest the killers.
However, Kirumira says the tabloid papers published articles that portray him as the prime suspect in the murder of his fellow businessman Kasiwukira. He said the articles have caused him and his family distress.
One of the articles, according to Kirumira’s petition, reported that he and other members of their business grouping, were being investigated alongside the widow Sarah Nabikolo for possible prosecution.
Kasiwukira’s widow was later charged in court together with a police constable Ashiraf Jadin and the widow’s sister Sandra Nakungu.
Through Sekabanja and Company Advocates, Kirumira wants court to compel the tabloid newspapers to pay him damages for hurting his reputation and businesses. Court has not yet fixed Kirumira’s case for hearing nor summoned the accused newspapers to give their defence.