The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Washaki Ahamada has been served with a legal notice demanding Shs550 million in damages and legal costs over alleged defamatory remarks made against veteran CBS journalist Ssaalongo Edward Tomusange Kayinja.
The demand notice, dated July 3, 2026, was issued by Ssekyewa, Matovu & Co. Advocates on behalf of Kayinja, a journalist with Central Broadcasting Service (CBS). The lawyers accuse the Masaka City RCC of making false and malicious statements that they say seriously damaged their client’s reputation and professional standing.
According to the notice, Ahamada allegedly made the first set of remarks during a video-recorded interview on June 23, 2026. The lawyers claim he questioned Kayinja’s competence as a journalist, alleged that he had previously been dismissed from the teaching profession for misconduct involving his students, and further claimed that he accepted Shs2,700 to publish false information on CBS FM.
The advocates also cite another incident on June 24, 2026, when Washaki allegedly addressed members of the public at Masaka City Yard. During the gathering, they claim he insinuated that Kayinja would only air information after receiving payments of between Shs1,700 and Shs10,000.
The lawyers further allege that the RCC repeated accusations that the journalist lacked the qualifications to practice journalism and had been dismissed from teaching over alleged misconduct.
In the demand notice, the lawyers argue that the statements were false and made knowingly, causing significant damage to Kayinja’s reputation. They contend that the remarks lowered him in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, exposed him to hatred, ridicule and contempt, and caused emotional distress.
The legal team is demanding that Washaki issue an apology through all print and social media platforms and undertake never to make similar statements against their client again.
They are also seeking Shs500 million in general damages for the alleged harm caused to Kayinja’s reputation, in addition to Shs50 million to cover legal fees already incurred.
The lawyers have given the Masaka City RCC seven days from receipt of the notice, and not later than July 10, 2026, to comply with the demands.
They warn that failure to do so will prompt both civil and criminal legal proceedings seeking damages for defamation, emotional distress, injunctive relief, restraining orders and other remedies available under the law.
By the time of publication, Washaki Ahamada had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the demand notice. The allegations remain unproven and have not been determined by any court.
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