The deported MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Wim Vanhelleputte has run to court challenging Uganda’s decision to have him returned to Belgium, Watchdog has learnt.
In his lawsuit filed before the High Court civil division, Vanhelleputte challenges his deportation saying that it was irrational and illegal.
The Belgian national was on 14 February, 2019 deported by the country’s authorities for allegedly threatening national security.
In a deportation order signed by Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, he was to remain outside Uganda indefinitely.
Vanhelleputte says he is entitled to fair and just treatment and due process before an administrative body and/or any person, and also has a right to be heard.
According to the former CEO, the deportation order labelled him as an undesirous and prohibited immigrant yet he has been a law-abiding citizen and has no trace of a criminal record for the 25 years he has lived in Uganda.
“The applicant has never committed any offence or criminal act under the laws of Uganda and neither is he responsible for breaking any law. That there’s no lawful reason whatsoever for his deportation. That it is in the interest of justice that his deportation be quashed,” the affidavit reads in part.
He further contends that he has been a regular visitor to Uganda since 1993.
“I have been a regular visitor to Uganda since 1993 until when I got married and also settled in Uganda where I and the family have been living at Lubowa, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District until my deportation from Uganda to Belgium.”
Through his lawyers Birungi and Company Advocates, Vanhelleputte now wants court to quash his deportation and order for general damages for illegal detention and deportation and any other relief that court shall deem fit.
He is married to Babra Adoso Vanhelleputte, a Ugandan citizen since April 29, 2000 and the couple has two children.
