Court orders Shoprite Naalya to reopen

By Edward Anyoli

NAKAWA High Court has ordered Naalya shoprite to reopen following an interim order issued by the acting Registrar, Flavia Nassuna Matovu.

Robert Bautu, the lawyer representing Metroplex Shopping Mall Limited, filed an application saying his client has a special tenancy agreement with the Shoprite and if allowed to close prematurely he will be grossly affected.

“An Interim order of injunction doth issue restraining the respondent (Shoprite) from terminating the tenancy agreement entered into and between applicant (Metroplex) and respondent on December 19, 2011 vacating the rented premises situated at Kiwatule known as Naalya Shopping Mall,” the interim order reads.

Nassuna ordered the shopping mall to remain open until June 18, pending the hearing and final determination of the suit. By press time the mall was still closed.

Lawyer Enos Tumusiime appeared in Court on behalf of Shoprite during the hearing of the application for interim order.

Shoprite Naalya which is located along the Northern Bypass has other branches at Lugogo and Ben Kiwanuka Street. The shop closed on Sunday over allegedly low sales.

Shoprite is a brand from South Africa and is one of the first shopping malls to open in Uganda. 

The interim order dated May28, was signed by the acting registrar Nassuna.