The ongoing industrial competition in Uganda has taken a fierce turn as foreign investors are reportedly resorting to extreme measures against each other, with accusations of deadly attacks emerging among rival groups.
Tensions have escalated in the business landscape, leading to alarming claims that some investors are plotting serious harm to eliminate their competitors.
On Monday, the Chief Magistrate Court in Mukono remanded four senior managers from the Tian Tang Group, a Chinese investment firm, on charges of attempted murder.
The accused, Liang Kai, Bin Ding, Chen Cheng, and Ai Wu Zheng, also known as Martin, have been ordered to spend time in Kauga Prison until their bail applications are addressed by the court on Monday next week.
This case notes the increasingly hostile environment in Uganda’s industrial sector, raising concerns about the safety of investors and the integrity of the business community.
The accused are said to have violently attacked two fellow Chinese investors in their apartment at Namanve Industrial Park, Uganda, during the early hours of September 18, 2024.
The victims, Liu Qingshan, 63, and Lu Hanbin, 32, are owners of the Ugandan NEC-WATU Automobile Group and sustained serious injuries in what appears to be a result of growing business tensions.
The attack reportedly involved seven Chinese nationals who were allegedly supported by armed individuals, possibly connected to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and took place around 5:00 AM.
The assailants broke into the apartment, smashing doors and windows, and violently attacked the victims before stealing electronic devices, including mobile phones, a desktop computer, and a laptop.
Police arrived shortly after the attackers had fled and opened a case at Namanve Police Station. Qingshan and Hanbin were quickly taken to Nakasero Hospital for treatment of injuries to their heads, backs, and legs.
Liang Kai faces two counts of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit a felony, while Bin Ding is charged with attempted murder. Zheng is also accused of two counts of attempted murder and malicious damage.
The suspects, represented by their lawyers from Arcadia Advocates, requested bail; however, the prosecution, led by Emily Ninsima, opposed the request, stating that they needed to assess the health conditions of the victims and the validity of the sureties.
The Chief Magistrate agreed with the prosecution, remanding the suspects to Kauga until September 30.
The court premises were chaotic, with security personnel, military, and plainclothes officers obstructing journalists from covering the proceedings.
Despite being remanded, the suspects requested not to be humiliated by having to climb onto the police patrol; instead, they were transported by vehicle to Kauga Commandant.
Prison authorities have permitted the suspects’ aides to bring them mattresses and blankets for their comfort until Monday.
Through their lawyers, the suspects have requested to be transferred to Luzira Prison, citing discomfort at Kauga Prison.
NEC-WATU Automobile, a joint venture with the UPDF’s private company, focuses on manufacturing automobile filters and air cleaners.
However, tensions have escalated as the Tian Tang Group, which holds a 15% stake in NEC-WATU, is alleged to control the land on which the company operates.
Qingshan has expressed his frustration, claiming that the Tian Tang Group is intentionally sabotaging their business by withholding essential documents, such as land titles, and attempting to force their eviction.
He has warned that if the harassment continues and the Ugandan government does not intervene, they may have to shut down operations and relocate to neighbouring Rwanda or Kenya.
Other incidents
Tian Tang Group has been embroiled in a troubling pattern of deadly incidents for some time.
Reports have emerged of machine operators being killed within their factory, with the bodies allegedly disguised as road accidents to evade compensation claims.
The company has also faced accusations of laying off workers who sustain physical injuries on the job without providing any compensation.
In addition to these serious allegations, there are claims of intimidation tactics used against workers and the exploitation of political and state connections to cover up various incidents.
This troubling environment has raised concerns about worker safety and ethical practices within the company.
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