KACITA withdraws rent application

BUSINESS   COVID-19

Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has withdrawn an application stopping city arcade landlords from collecting rent for the three-month before the lockdown imposed by the Government was eased.

KACITA's lawyer Ronald Tusingwire informed court that they filed a notice of withdrawal last Friday after receiving instructions from his client. However, he did not give court the reason why they are withdrawing the application.

"We discussed with my colleagues about the instructions to withdraw this application and they have not opposed. The only thing they wanted us to discuss were costs, which I pray should be on course," he wished.

The Civil Division Court head, Justice Musa Ssekaana ordered KACITA to pay costs of the application to the landlords.

"This application is withdrawn and the applicant (KACITA) shall meet costs," Justice ordered.

Ssekaana issued the order on Monday after city arcade lawyers led by Rashid Semambo requested court to compel KACITA to pay costs for the withdrawal of the application.

Lawyers Arnold Kimara, Fredrick Mpanga, Apollo Katumba, Yusufu Mawanda, and Adam Kirumira are also representatives of the landlords.

On June 4, 2020, KACITA filed a suit against 14 arcade owners through Ortus Advocates, seeking a declaration that their members are not liable to pay utility bills for the premises they occupy on the landlords' buildings for the period during the lockdown.

Those sued include Crane Management Services, Ntake Bakery Ltd, Apple Properties, Godfrey Kyeswa, Aponye House Limited, James Mugabi, Drake Lubega, Ham Kiggundu, Matovu Younger, Christine Nabukeera, Daudi Mutebi, Joseph Yebaza, Haji Muhammed Zziwa and Tom Kitandwe.