A Ugandan immigration lawyer based in the UK has lost his bid to recover UGX 422 million (USD10,6000) from his former romantic partner.
Peter Ziruntusa claimed he had invested the money in Resty Meribel Mbabazi’s business ventures, but Justice Musa Ssekaana dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.
Mr. Ziruntusa met Ms. Mbabazi on Facebook in 2015 and alleged they had an oral investment agreement. However, Ms. Mbabazi countered that Mr. Ziruntusa’s advances were romantic, not commercial.
The court ruled that unmarried couples have no right to recover money contributed to the relationship unless it’s jointly owned or registered.
‘No commercial relationship’
Justice Ssekaana stated that Mr. Ziruntusa failed to establish a clear commercial relationship with Ms. Mbabazi and had relatives in Uganda who could have overseen his investments.
“The relationship between the plaintiff and the first defendant was not a commercial one but rather a romantic or sexual relationship,” the judge ruled.
Misrepresentation claims
Ms. Mbabazi’s defense team alleged that Mr. Ziruntusa misrepresented himself as a passionate immigration lawyer interested in protecting vulnerable children to gain her trust.
The ruling highlights the complexities of romantic relationships and business investments, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements and definitions.
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