MPs in court over sh100m loan

Jul 09, 2013

ACCORDING to court summons signed on July 4th this year, Aleper is required to file defense within 15 days

By Job Bwire and Michael Odeng

THE Moroto Municipality MP Simon Peter Aleper has been dragged to court by fellow a Member of Parliament for failure to pay a sh70m loan.

Dokolo County MP Felix Okot Ogong (plaintiff) through M/S Twesigye, Oyuko and Company Advocates filed a civil suit against Aleper (defendant) demanding payment of sh100m as accumulated arrears in interest.

According to civil suite No. 359, on June 4, 2012 the defendant requested the plaintiff as colleagues in parliament to advance him a friendly loan of sh70m at 5% interest monthly, payable within a period of three months.

During the transaction, Aleper issued his personal blank and signed Stanbic bank cheque N0. 000578 and his land title for block 222, plot 2952 land located at Namugongo, Wakiso district with some developments in it as an additional security. 

The MPs agreed that incase of Aleper’s failure to pay, Okot would sell the property to recover all the outstanding principal and interest.

The parties had also agreed that the borrowed money was to be paid between June and August last year but on the due date, the defendant asked for more time within which to pay cash in lieu of presentation of the cheque.  

Okot states that despite several reminders and phone calls from him, Aleper kept a deaf ear.  

He further notes that notice of intention to sue was dully communicated to Aleper who ignored the same. He is seeking for payment of sh100m, 20% interest per annum from date of judgment till full payment plus costs and damages.

Okot contends that Aleper’s actions amounts to breach of contract, putting the plaintiff into loss, denying him an opportunity to re-invest his money and above all continues to pay the bank interest which he holds the defendant liable. 

According to court summons signed by Commercial Court Registrar Thaddeus Opesen on July 4 this year, Aleper is required to file defense within 15 days from the date of service as hearing date is yet to be fixed.

“Should you (Aleper) fail to file a written statement of defense in the suit on or before the date, the plaintiff may proceed with the suit and judgment may be given in your absence,” stated the statement signed by Opesen. 

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