Museveni Campaign Team Sued

Jul 13, 2001

LITHOTEC, a South African printing and publishing company, which printed President Museveni's campaign posters, has sued his task force for unpaid balance of US$240,000 (sh400m).

By Hillary Nsambu Richard Mutumba And Sylvia Mpaulo LITHOTEC, a South African printing and publishing company, which printed President Museveni's campaign posters, has sued his task force for unpaid balance of US$240,000 (sh400m). The task force must file a defence within 15 days or judgment will be passed against them in absentia. Lithotec filed the suit at Commercial Court on July 12 through Semuyaba, Iga and Company Advocates. It said the $240,000 was the balance on $455,246.50 deal. The company wants the court to award them a 45% interest per annum till payment in full. The 45-member task force includes Movement vice-chairman Moses Kigongo, local government minister Bidandi Ssali, Rebecca Kadaga, former state minister for parliamentary affairs and now deputy Speaker, Ofwono Opondo, the Movement information director, ministers of state for regional cooperation Amama Mbabazi, for trade Gilbert Bukenya, information minister Basoga Nsadhu and John Nasasira, for communications. The others are Amanya Mushega, former minister for public service, Betty Akech, Catherine Mavenjina, Jim Muhwezi, Abel Rwendeire, Sam Kuteesa, Crispus Kiyonga, Steven Kavuma, Kisamba Mugerwa, Ruth Nankabirwa, Max Omeda, Pradip Karia and Hajji Mbabaali. Lithotec said it printed 2.024,000 election campaign posters for Museveni's 2001 campaign on the instruction of the task force. It said the task force paid $215,246.50. It said on May 17, 2001 Eng. Ndaula Kaweesi, the head of finance and administration, acknowledged the indebtedness. But, despite the promises to pay, the defendants have failed or neglected to pay the money. Museveni's re-election task force yesterday acknowledged the debt. His private secretary Moses Byaruhanga said the balance would be cleared soon. "We acknowledge the debt and we shall pay as soon as we get the money," he said. Ofwono Opondo said, "We were busy with other things when the plaint came and all resources had been diverted to the petition and the parliamentary elections," Ofwono Opondo said. He said all debts were compiled, presented and discussed. He said Museveni admitted his indebtedness which is within the legal provisions, adding that all debts including those contracted with other institutions like the media houses, will be cleared soon. The vice-chairman of the task force, Bidandi Ssali, said the Lithotech contract was under procurement, adding that officials under that section were the right people to explain. Ends

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