The High Court Commercial Division has fined businessman Shukla Mukesh and his companies including Shumuk Springs Development Ltd, Springs International Development Hotel Ltd, and Shumuk Financial Services Ltd—$4 million for illegally occupying part of Shumuk House in Kampala.
The ruling follows a long-standing legal battle with the late businessman Bonney Mwebesa Katatumba over ownership of the property, formerly known as Blacklines House, located at Plot 2 Colville Street.
The court also addressed a separate dispute involving Joseph Ssempebwa and Peter Lule, who claimed ownership of 24 of the 92 condominium units in Shumuk House.
Justice Stephen Mubiru ruled that both Ssempebwa and Lule have equitable interests that cannot be overridden.
He clarified that the sale agreements did not affect Ssempebwa’s rights over his units nor Lule’s ownership of eleven units purchased from the late Katatumba.
The judgment marks a significant win for the late Katatumba’s heirs and settles years of complex property litigation over one of Kampala’s prime commercial buildings.