Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s oldest Newspaper ‘The New Vision has been dragged to courts of law for alleged defamation involving the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Gen Salim Saleh by Kampala City Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago.
The event follows recent publication by New Vision Paper follows quoting a letter allegedly wrote by Veteran Army Serviceman Gen. Salim Saleh to Lukwago expressing his disappointment in the unfounded allegations by the City Lord Mayor.
Although, the letter does not detail what exactly Lukwago said and when, it gives a hint that he among others claimed that the NRA bush war veteran is misusing power.
“Dear Brother Elias Lukwago, Lord Mayor Kampala City. I’m very offended by what you have said about me and the power I am misusing,” the ‘Saleh’s fake’ letter reads adding,
“I have withdrawn all the support I have been giving you in your fights (political) until you apologize. Otherwise, like Archbishop Semwogerere said, obulimba n’obukyaayi bwenkurabye nabwo – Uganda yakusabira.”
However, Lukwago says this was a fabricated story by New Vision that intended to defame him the reason he is suing the media house.
In his application filed at High Court Civil Division, Lukwago wants New Vision to compensate him general and exemplary damages with interest for defamation, apology and costs of the suit.
”The Plaintiff’s cause of action against the Defendant is for general and exemplary damages with interest for defamation as well as a permanent injunction restraining the Defendant from making further defamatory
publications concerning the Plaintiff, apology and costs of the suit,” reads Lukwago’s suit.
Lukwago Vs New Vision Part 1
This is not the first time Lukwago is legally facing off with New Vision, in 2013 he filed four different law suits against the same publication over defamation.
The stories that the Lord Mayor complained of as being defamatory included one that appeared on February 11 under the headline “IGG probes Lukwago over Chinese Deal”. Another story that was published also mention Lukwago in a Shillings 3 billion abattoir fraud, while two other stories talk of “Plans to fire mayor Lukwago begin”, and “Lord Mayor is not informed-Musisi.”
The Lord Mayor through his law firm of Lukwago and Company Advocates, won all the four suits forcing New Vision to cough millions to him.