Playwright Mukulu sued over sh141m land

By Andante Okanya

Renowned playwright Alex Mukulu has been sued for purported breach of contract over a plot of land located in the suburb of Namirembe valued, at sh141m.

On Wednesday, a one Arnold Muwonge filed a civil suit at the High Court in Kampala, lamenting that despite signing a sale agreement in January last year, Mukulu has declined to vacate the premises comprised in Kibuga Block 4 Plot number 160, Namirembe.

Through Kimuli and Sozi Advocates, Muwonge is demanding that Mukulu refunds the sh141m plus a 26% annual interest from January 11 last year till full payment. Court documents indicate that the land has a residential house.

Muwonge asserts that at the time of the sale, the land was encumbered with a mortgage by one Moses Kibirige in favour of FINA bank.  Muwonge states that there was a debt due from Mukulu to the same Kibirige on account of a redemption of the land by Kibirige from National Bank of Commerce.

Additionally, court documents show that the purchase price was to be paid by Muwonge in installments, of which the first installment was  to be paid to offset the liabilities encumbered on the land. The subsequent installments were to be paid directly to Mukulu.

Under the agreement, Mukulu was to vacate the land in six days after payment of the initial installment, at Muwonge's cost. Muwonge asserts that after paying the first installment, the certificate of title was released by FINA bank, and given to his(Muwonge’s) lawyers.

"As result of the defendant's said breach of contract, the plaintifff suffered enormous  loss as his money  remained in the hands of the defendant for over a year  without him having ever received  possession of the land whilst the defendant continues to benefit," Muwonge states.

He also states that  despite several reminders from his lawyers, Mukulu has ignored demand for payment, and also ignored the notice of intention to sue.

Mukulu is yet to respond to the allegations. A hearing date it yet to be scheduled.