Former MUBS don demands $149,400 car allowance

By Andante Okanya

THE former deputy principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Dr Samuel Ssejaaka, has sued the governing council of the institution, demanding $149,400 (sh429.2m) vehicle allowance.

On February 17, Ssejaaka filed a civil suit at the civil division of the High Court in Kampala. He accuses the council of breach of contract, in the duration of his tenure from July 2009 to last year.

According to court documents, Ssejaaka states that the value is calculated at a rate of $2,490 per month for five years from July 2004 to July 2009

Through Kiwanuka and Karugire Advocates, Ssejaaka contends that by the letter dated August 24, 2011, the principal (Wasswa Balunywa) approved the purchase of a motor vehicle for the deputy principal.

He is aggrieved that the council failed to fulfill its end of the bargain, by providing all his entitlements, specifically the chauffeur driven vehicle.

"The plaintiff shall at the trial contend  and prove that as a result of the defendant's breach of contract, the plaintiff has suffered loss and damage," the plaint states in part.

The demand could exceed the $149,400, in the event that court agrees with Ssejaaka. He wants court to put a 24% commercial interest on the sum from the date of filing the suit till full payment.

The don is also demanding damages for breach of contract, with interest at court rate from the date of judgement till full payment. He also wants to be paid costs of the suit.

Sejjaaka is a senior partner in Sejjaaka, Kawaase and Company, a certified public, and board chairman of Uganda Development Bank.

He is an expert in financial accounting, taxation, strategic planning, restructuring, quality assurance and advisory services.

Efforts by New Vision to get confirmation whether the council is aware of the case, were in vain. The institution's spokesperson Peter Odoki, was not readily available

According to court documents, Ssejaaka's terms and conditions of service stipulated that he was entitled to top up allowance of sh5.1m or as may be determined by council.

He was entitled to housing allowance with the option of a rent free fully furnished house or sh3m per month, or as may be determined by the council.

Other allowances included sh250,000 for electricity, sh120,000 for water, sh200,000 for telephone, and a chauffeur.

 Ssejaaka was also entitled to two domestic servants, business class air ticket for wife on official travel, medical insurance, sick leave with full pay, and annual leave of 30 working days.

He was also entitled to gratuity of 25% total earned gross at the end of every 12 months of service.

Court is yet to summon the council to file its defence. A hearing date is yet to be scheduled.