Tembo Steels (U) Limited, the owner of the building housing Medipal International Hospital in Kololo, Kampala, took decisive action yesterday morning to evict the tenant due to outstanding rent arrears exceeding Shs1 billion.
Accompanied by private security guards and individuals, lawyer Helga Wesonga secured the hospital premises by locking all entrances and exits as per the company’s instructions.
Wesonga stated, “In our ongoing negotiations, we have deployed security guards to ensure a peaceful eviction if the landlord does not receive the overdue rent. Currently, the building has been closed off, with only one entry and exit point remaining.”
He further explained, “We had initially contacted Medipal in September, requesting payment of their debt, but they failed to comply. We have followed the proper legal procedures and are committed to ensuring the building is vacated without any violence.”
According to Wesonga, the eviction follows months of unproductive meetings and negotiations between the parties. The hospital received an eviction notice on September 8, 2022, citing rent arrears dating back to June 2022.
The notice stated, “After careful consideration, Tembo Steels Uganda Limited management has decided that you must settle your outstanding rent of US$365,557 by September 30, 2022, and prepare to vacate the premises by December 31, 2022.”
As of yesterday morning, Wesonga confirmed that Medipal International Hospital had neither paid their arrears nor vacated the premises, prompting the involvement of private security to secure the facility.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Wesonga remarked, “Medipal has consistently made promises to pay, but they have failed to honor them. Therefore, our instructions are to prohibit entry and only allow exit. We also intend to close the doctor’s offices.” These instructions were promptly conveyed to the Securex guards on-site.
Attempts to obtain a comment from Medipal hospital management were unsuccessful, as officials declined to respond, and telephone calls went unanswered.
This reporter revisited the hospital premises at 4 pm to seek comments from the management but was denied access.
Sources within the hospital informed this publication that the facility remains open and is providing medical treatment to patients. Additionally, a high-level meeting is reportedly underway as both parties strive to find a mutually agreeable solution.
By the end of the business day yesterday, Securex security guards were stationed at the premises, leaving only one exit and entry point accessible to the public.
Medipal International Hospital, a privately-owned facility, was established in 2019.