In a landmark ruling delivered on Wednesday, the High Court in Kampala has ordered the owner of Stanley Hotel Ltd, trading as Forest Mall, to pay more than UGX 700 million to Select Garments for a wrongful eviction.
The court decision followed a civil suit (No. 451 of 2012) filed by Mr. Ahimbisibwe, the tycoon behind Select Garments. He accused the Forest Mall management of breaching their tenancy agreement and unlawfully evicting his business.
According to the suit, Select Garments was forcefully removed from its rented space, with several valuable items confiscated by Mr. Patrick Talenga of Marshall Agents Auctioneers & Court Bailiffs. The company denied any rental arrears, countering Forest Mall’s claims and seeking justice for the abrupt and unjust eviction.
Mr. Ahimbisibwe sought compensation for general damages, exemplary and punitive damages, special damages, and interest—along with a formal declaration that he owed no rent arrears.
In its ruling, the High Court sided with Select Garments, awarding them more than UGX 700 million in compensation, marking a major win for tenants fighting unlawful evictions and breaches of lease agreements.
