A legal storm is brewing in Uganda’s Court of Appeal that could reshape how legal fees are awarded in high-stakes public interest cases.
Up to 1,600 pensioners of the now defunct Uganda Posts And Telecommunications Corporation have been in court for nearly a year, challenging the payment of Shs64 billion to Senior Counsel John Matovu.
The case, which has drawn attention from legal observers, civil society, and government agencies, raises deep questions about judicial conduct, lawyer remuneration, and public accountability.
The pensioners argue that the massive payout was ordered without their knowledge or participation, despite the money being intended for their compensation.
The contested payout was granted in an interim ruling by Justice Muzamiru Kibedi, who controversially directed that Matovu be paid Shs64 billion without the main suit being heard.
Pensioners say this was not only procedurally irregular but possibly unethical, pointing to an alleged personal connection between Kibedi and Matovu, including previously sharing legal chambers.
Justice Kibedi has since been appointed to the Supreme Court.
In July 2024 the pensioners filed a fresh petition in the Court of Appeal, challenging the interim award and seeking to be enjoined to the original application filed by Matovu.
They argued that the remuneration agreement cited by Matovu either doesn’t exist or is invalid, given prior court decisions barring advocates from claiming excessive percentages of awards due to clients.
In a dramatic twist, the Attorney General’s office, initially in opposition, switched positions and backed the pensioners.
Represented by Richard Adrore, the AG asked court to allow withdrawal of their earlier affidavit and submit a new one in support of the pensioners’ cause.
The justices Hellen Obura, John Mike Musisi, and Margaret Tibulya—agreed unanimously, citing the need to serve justice.
Matovu’s legal team objected strongly, arguing that payments had already commenced through Ministry of Finance, and that a reversal could have major financial consequences. Nonetheless, the court gave the green light to the AG’s new position.
Following the ruling, Matovu reportedly wrote to Permanent Secretary to the treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, urging speedy release of the funds, prompting fears he may be attempting to secure payment before a final verdict is issued, which could expose the government to paying twice.
Meanwhile, Matovu faces criminal charges in the Anti-Corruption Court for alleged theft and conspiracy to defraud the government of Shs4 billion.
He has dismissed the charges as illegal and a violation of his professional rights.