UPDF general sues Nakasero Hospital

Kampala. A UPDF general has sued Nakasero Hospital in the High Court Commercial division for allegedly failing to pay its rental arrears of more than Shs600m.

According to the court documents, Maj Gen Joram Mugume sued the hospital alleging that it had failed to pay its rental arrears for the months of October, November and December of last year.

Documents indicate that in January 2013, Gen Mugume and the hospital entered into a tenancy agreement for the suit premises situated on plot 16A Aki Bua Road, Nakasero which is a developed parcel of land on which is erected a house, parking lot and garden grounds and enclosed in a perimeter wall.

Gen Mugume claims he issued and served the hospital a notice terminating the tenancy agreement as per clause 5(g) which required issuance of a six months’ notice by the hospital prior to termination and thus they were supposed to vacate the premises on or before July 10, 2017.

He claims that after the expiry of the tenancy period, the hospital requested from him an extension of three months, however, they did not vacate his premises even after the extension.

“Through my lawyer Tumusiime Kabega & Co Advocates, two demand notices for payment of monthly rentals of more than Shs200 million per month ($5,500) was issued but they were ignored by the hospital,” reads part of Gen Mugume’s claim.

However, the hospital through its lawyer Sebalu & Lule Advocates, refuted all the claims of Gen Mugume saying they peacefully vacated his premises in September before the end of their extension term and then undertook restoration works with his close involvement.

In their defence, the hospital further claims that it commenced with the restoration works in respect of the premises which were completed to the satisfaction of the plaintiff who frequently inspected for the period the works were being conducted.

The hospital also denied any liability for the further payment of rent beyond the extended term as demanded by Gen Mugume or settlement of any utility bills.

The deputy registrar, mediation at the Commercial Court, Mr Vincent Mugabo, has since transferred the case to the High Court Civil Division saying that it is not a commercial matter.