Brigadier Kasirye Gwanga has been dragged to court by a city businessman for maliciously burning a tractor he alleged was tilling his land illegally. The case filed before the Civil Division of the High Court demands that Brig Kasirye Gwanga procures a new tractor for the complainant in addition to paying for the damages incurred.
The incident occurred on August 12 this year when a one Dennis Wakabi whose tractor had been hired by two men (Andrew Muwonge and Kassim Sserugo) to grade the land in Makindye Ssebagabo, claimed by Kasirye Gwanga.
Wakabi in his case claims that Brig Kasirye found the tractor parked awaiting refueling when he torched it. The plaintiff says it was damaged beyond repair and cost him financial loss since he had been contracted to offer the grading service at a cost of Shs 500,000 each day for a period of 4 days.
He demands for a sum of Shs 500 million for money he lost since the incident, claiming he has been unable to fend for his family since he owned only one tractor which he bought on loan.
The complainant further says that the army officer went ahead to make braggart statements in the media after burning down the tractor.
It is upon this background that Wakabi through his lawyers Newmark Advocates has sued Brig Kasirye Gwanga and demanded that the defendant pays for a new tractor.
A criminal case was lodged under Case No. CRB 146/2017 and awaits trial. Wakabi’s lawyers say Brig Kasirye recorded a statement with police admitting to having committed the offence even when he knew the tractor hadn’t crossed to his plot.
Wakabi has demanded for 6,750 Euros at which a new wheel tractor (Case 580 Super K Diesel Turbo Backhoe Loader) is valued.
In addition, the complainant wants Brig Kasirye to pay 3,200 Euros in shipping charges for the tractor and Shs 10 million for servicing and assembly of the motor parts.
Wakabi also demands that Kasirye Gwanga pays; punitive damages, the loss of income from the date of the incident as well as interest at the prevailing commercial rate.