Woman sues Chinese firm over failure to pay her for securing two contracts
Ms Asasiira wants court to declare that she spent a lot of time and money to secure the said contracts, which should be compensated. Shutter Image
A Kampala-based businesswoman has sued a Chinese road construction company for alleged refusal to pay her for helping the firm secure contracts for the upgrade of two roads in eastern Uganda.
In a law suit filed before the High Court Commercial Division, Ms Celia Asasira contends that China State Construction Engineering Corporation entrusted her with the mandate to facilitate the conclusion of two contracts for upgrade of Bumbobi-Lwakhakha and Kapchorwa-Saum roads worth more than Shs400b.
However, according to documents, the Chinese company has ignored or refused to pay Ms Asasira for the services rendered.
Acting through Muwema & Company Advocates, Ms Asasira is seeking a court declaration that she facilitated the securing of the two contracts. So, she should be remunerated for the work she did.
She is also seeking general damages and interest rate of 23 per cent per annum from April 2018 until payment is made in full.
According to documents, on several occasions between 2013 and 2015, representatives from Chinese firm and its sister companies visited Uganda in a bid to secure business opportunities.
Ms Asasira claims that she was introduced to the Chinese company in 2015 after it had claimed frustration about securing business in Uganda. The two, according to court documents, entered an oral agreement to help the Chinese company secure construction contracts.
Two road contracts, including Bumbobi-Lwakhakha, valued at Shs140b and Kapchorwa-Saum, at Shs268bb, according to Ms Asasira secured in the process and it was agreed that she would be paid an equivalent of 10 per cent of any contractual consideration.
She also claims that she helped the Chinese firm to register as company in Uganda, which improved the company’s chances of securing business.
However, Ms Asasira claims that for all intents and purposes, it is her who secured the contracts for the Chinese firm through oral requests but the company has refused to pay for her services.
She therefore wants court to declare that she spent a lot of time and money to secure the said contracts, which should be compensated.
