The Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court has released four Tian Tang Group managers on bail, following accusations of attempted murder. Liang Kai, Bin Ding, Chen Cheng, and Wu Zhang, also known as Martin, were remanded to Kauga Prison last week and later transferred to Luzira Prison.
The suspects allegedly attacked two fellow Chinese investors, Liu Qingshan, 63, and Lu Hanbin, 32, in their apartment at Namanve Industrial Park on September 18, 2024. The victims, who own the Ugandan NEC-WATU Automobile Group, suffered serious injuries.
Chief Magistrate Roselyn Nsenge granted the suspects a cash bail of 10 million Ugandan shillings each and a non-cash bail of 100 million shillings each. Each suspect provided four sureties, including local leaders, LCI chairpersons, businesspeople, and Members of Parliament.
Nsenge emphasized that the constitution grants bail based on the presumption of innocence. “The accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty; however, it should be noted that the grant of bail is not automatic,” Nsenge stated.
The prosecution was encouraged to appeal against the decision if found not lenient. The matter has been adjourned until October 31, 2024.
Background
In 2019, Liu Qingshan, Yan Sheng, and Zhang Zhigang, owner of Tian Tang Group, met at a conference organized by Chinese investors in Uganda. They signed a cooperation agreement on December 18, 2019, establishing a joint venture company at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park.
The joint venture, Automobile Group (U) Ltd., had four key shareholders: Liu Qingshan (55%), Yan Sheng (25%), Zhang Zhigang (15%), and Wang Kexin (5%). The company agreement allowed termination if any member failed to meet obligations or violated terms.
Tensions arose when Liu Qingshan felt unfairly treated by Zhang, leading to slowed factory development and eventual termination of their partnership. The State House Investors Protection Unit intervened, proposing solutions, including an audit and rent calculations.
On July 1, 2023, the issue was taken to Uganda’s State House Investors Protection Unit for resolution. Zhang suggested conducting a special audit, while Liu Qingshan proposed cutting ties with Zhang.
Liu Qingshan made a separate agreement with the Ugandan government, partnering with NEC under the business name “NEC WATU” and allocating land in Jinja.
On August 27, 2024, Tian Tang Group representatives raised concerns about Liu Qingshan occupying their showroom and premises in Namanve Industrial Park. They were advised to resolve the issue legally.
However, on September 17, 2024, a group of Chinese individuals, allegedly accompanied by army officers, attacked Liu Qingshan and his family at their Namanve premises.
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