KAMPALA, Uganda — The High Court has ordered businessman Mukesh Shukla to pay approximately 14 billion shillings for the illegal occupation of a prime commercial building in the capital, marking a major turn in a decade-long property dispute.
The ruling addresses the unlawful possession of a portion of Shumuk House, formerly known as Katatumba Suites. The dispute dates back to the early 2010s and involves the family of the late Bonney Mwebesa Katatumba, a prominent businessman and former Pakistani consul to Uganda.
Court records show that Shukla, popularly known as Shumuk, had held the property since 2008. However, the Katatumba family successfully argued in multiple judicial proceedings that the transactions leading to his possession were fraudulent or improperly executed.
The 14 billion shilling award includes mesne profits, which are the rents and benefits derived from the property during the period of unlawful occupation, as well as damages and associated legal costs.
This decision follows several prior judgments against Shukla. In 2014, 2020 and 2021, the Commercial Division of the High Court ruled against him in related claims involving Hotel Diplomat in Muyenga and a resort on Banda Island. In those instances, the court cited forgery and a lack of proper spousal consent, leading to the cancellation of titles transferred to Shukla’s entities.
Representatives for the Katatumba heirs described the ruling as a significant step toward the full recovery of their father’s estate. Shukla, who serves as the executive director of Shumuk Aluminium Industries Ltd., has faced various legal hurdles in recent years, including convictions for forgery related to property handovers.
Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to scrutinizing historical property transfers. If the payment is not made, Shukla could face further enforcement actions, including eviction or the attachment of his assets.
Shukla’s legal team has not yet stated whether they intend to appeal the decision.
