Kirumira drags businessman to court over sh575m debt

Businessman Godfrey Kirumira has petitioned court seeking to recover sh575m purportedly given to one Ahmed Zziwa as a friendly loan.

On October 27, Kirumira filed a civil suit at Commercial Court in Kampala through Walusimbi and Company Advocates.

According to court documents, Zziwa in April this year, requested Kirumira for the money, which was subsequently given to him. The documents do not specify what the loan was intended for.

Zziwa is a reclusive property developer. His most recent spot in public scrutiny was in January 2014, when Kampala Capital City Authority law enforcement officers blocked construction of his lock-up shops in the Old Taxi Park.

The loan was secured with a post-dated cheque, and repayment was to be effected this year, through Crane Bank where Kirumira held an account.

However, the cheque was dishonoured for insufficient funds. Kirumira purports that when Zziwa was notified, he ignored it. Kirumira also says Zziwa ignored a notice of intention to sue.

"In spite of several reminders and constant demands by the plaintiff, the defendant has refused to pay up the said monies to date," the suit states.

He claims Zziwa has caused him unnecessary financial loss, mental anguish. Kirumira emphasises that Zziwa has no plausible excuse in defence.

Zziwa is yet to file his defence while court is yet to schedule a hearing date.

Kirumira business portfolio

His business holding is under GKK Group, with Bargary Company Limited playing flagship, and operating 12 fuel stations under the brand name Gelp.

Kirumira also owns Nabugabo Updeal Venture Limited and has a property portfolio that comprises real estate, general merchandise, import/export, and private security.