NEWS – In November 2023, Justice Esta Nambayo, a High Court judge in the Civil Division, ruled that Mukesh Shukla, a controversial city businessman, must pay costs and damages to Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
This decision followed the dismissal of Shukla’s Shs 50 Billion case, arising from a business rivalry with the late Bonny Mwebesa Katatumba.
Shukla, through his legal representation, had sought compensation from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government for alleged malicious prosecution. He claimed that in early 2013, Katatumba had falsely accused him of conspiring to murder him, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
Mukesh argued that the charges were later withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) without clear reasons, forming the basis for his claim of malicious prosecution. In response, the Attorney General contended that the police had the authority to arrest Shukla based on the suspicion of a cognizable offense.
The Attorney General highlighted that Shukla’s arrest was lawful, asserting that there was no evidence of malice by law enforcement officers. The defense further explained that Katatumba, the complainant, had lost interest in pursuing the case and requested the withdrawal of charges against Shukla.
Justice Nambayo ruled that there was reasonable cause for the arrest and prosecution of Shukla, finding no evidence of malice by the defendant’s officers. Consequently, the judge dismissed the case and ordered Shukla to pay costs to the Attorney General.
It has come to light that administrators of the late Katatumba’s estate, led by Angella Katatumba, are now seeking to reclaim the multibillion property known as Shumuk House, which Mukesh claims to have purchased.
The ongoing disputes revolve around Mukesh’s assertion of agreements to sell various properties, including Blacklines House and Hotel Diplomat, a claim contested by the Katatumba family.
Allegations of Mukesh forging the late Bonny Katatumba’s signature to acquire the estate add complexity to the long-standing conflicts, with further developments anticipated.
