By Watchdog reporter
The High Court of Civil Division Judge P. Basaza Wasswa has ordered Red pepper publication Limited to compensate retired Chief Justice Samuel William Wako Wambuzi with shs425 million over defamation.
In 2015, Wambuzi filed a suit against the tabloid publication seeking for general and exemplary damages for alleged libel, interest thereon and for a permanent injunction and costs of the suit.
In his plaint, the ex-chief justice contended that in relation to him, the defendants published in their newspaper known as ‘Sunday Pepper Vol. 15 No.115, at pages 16 and 17, a false, sensational and defamatory article under the title “Exposed! 100 most indebted Personalities Revealed,”
After thorough hearings and research, Justice Basaza today ruled against Red Pepper and as a result the publication was ordered to pay shs425 million to Wambuzi as compensation for damages caused.
“The defendant shall pay to the plaintiff general damages for libel in the sum of shs375million and shall also pay shs50million as exemplary damages,” Justice Basaza stated.
“A permanent injunction is hereby issued against the defendants restraining them and their agents or persons under their control and direction from further publishing similar defamatory statements of the plaintiff,” she added.
Have something to add to this article? Send to info@watchdog.co.ug or whatsapp up us +256752545880
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
