The High Court in Kampala has ruled that socialite Sheila Nadege, popularly known as Don Zella, must pay shs20 million as security in a case where she sued Speke Apartments in Kampala. Don Zella had filed a lawsuit against the apartment complex, alleging collusion in a burglary incident that took place in her apartment in 2020. The court has now ordered her to provide the security deposit within three months or alternatively, provide a bank guarantee or a bond within one month.
According to Don Zella, the burglary occurred on December 25, 2020, when thieves broke into her apartment and stole her belongings. She accused Speke Apartments of tampering with the crime scene before the police arrived, making it difficult to catch the intruder. Seeking compensation, she demanded shs456,250,000 in damages and losses. However, the lawyers representing Speke Apartments argued that the lawsuit was baseless, frivolous, and likely to fail, causing unnecessary costs and expenses for the apartment management.
Justice Musa Ssekaana, in his ruling, acknowledged the principle that claimants should have access to justice but noted the circumstances of the case. He concurred with Speke Apartments’ argument that Don Zella has no known source of income and a history of filing frivolous actions. Therefore, he ordered her to provide security for costs to safeguard the defendant’s position in case of success in the main suit. The security amount of shs20 million is intended to cover the costs incurred and expected to be incurred by Speke Apartments.