GOVERNMENT has accepted an out of court settlement to pay over sh400m in accumulated bills for a delegation of former Congolese rebels who have been living at Silver Springs Hotel, near Kampala, since 2000.
State attorney Deus Byamugisha signed the consent judgement on behalf of the Government agreeing to pay US$226,958 to Silver Springs Hotel who filed a civil suit at the Commercial Court.
Silver Springs was represented by G.S.Lule. The registrar of the Commercial Court, J.B Segirinya passed the consent judgement.
Silver Springs had originally demanded US$300,599 as outstanding hotel bill. They claim that the 40-member Congolese delegation led by Professor Pashi were booked into the hotel by the President's Office since November 2000 and have never checked out todate.
According to Silver Springs, the number of the guests keeps fluctuating between 22 and 45. They are linked to Professor Wamba dia Wamba's defunct rebel group, RCD Kisangani, they claim.
Wamba was toppled by Mbusa Nyamwisi after a long struggle and and the latter is now minister for regional co-operation in President Joseph Kabila's government.
Silver Springs said the guests enjoy full board and lodging facilities which include accommodation, meals and drinks. They reportedly occupied 10 cottages of which the double ones cost $60 per day while the single cottages go for $30.
It was however added that room occupancy rate fluctuates from 10 to 15 every now and then.
Silver Springs management said each of the guests eats breakfast of sh5,000 and lunch and dinner of sh7,000.
Ends
Govt To Pay 400m/- Congo Debt
