By Andante Okanya
Retired Supreme Court judge George Kanyeihamba has sued city lawyer Dr. James Akampumuza, claiming he was defamed in an offensive press statement published in the Observer newspaper last year in December.
In the suit filed on October 15 at the High Court in Kampala, Kanyeihamba jointly sued the Observer plus its editor in chief, claiming his reputation was tarnished. He is demanding damages and costs of the suit.
The contentious press statement published in the newspaper issue of December 22 to 25, was refuting a notice by Kanyeihamba published in New Vision Blitz magazine and Monitor of December 16.
In the press statement, Akampumuza queried the capacity under which Kanyeihamba issued the notice of annulment of marriage of his client, one Hope Mwine Cove to one Frank Mwine(ex-UCB boss). Akampumuza asked the public to ignore it.
However, Kanyeihamba asserts that the press statement implied that he is unethical, practices law illegally, acts criminally, and obstructs delivery of justice.
"The plaintiff shall aver and contend that the defendents’ defamatory press statement in the Observer was malicious, wanton, grossly reckless and intended to malign the otherwise good reputation of the person of the plaintiff," Kanyeihamba states through Kania and Alli Advocates and Solicitors.
He wants the defendants to be permanently restrained from making any statements deemed defamatory. Court has ordered the defendants to file their defence within 15 days from the date they are served the summons. In the summons dated October 16, 2012, registrar Festo Nsenga has cautioned them to heed, lest judgement is passed in their absence.
