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By Mulengera Reporters
Hon. Emmanuel Omoding, the Member of Parliament for Serere County and Director of Impact Ministries in Mbale, has been dragged to court over allegations of failure to repay a private loan amounting to Shs13 million.
According to court documents filed before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mbale, businessman James Masaba is seeking recovery of Shs13 million from the legislator, together with interest and legal costs, alleging that Omoding failed to honour repayment obligations despite repeated reminders.
The suit, filed under the summary procedure provided for under Uganda’s Civil Procedure Rules, accuses the legislator of breaching a loan agreement entered into on December 15, 2025. In the court pleadings, Masaba claims that Omoding approached him for what was described as a “friendly loan” of Shs13 million and undertook to repay the money within one month.
According to the plaintiff, the MP allegedly issued a post-dated cheque as security for the debt. However, court documents state that when the cheque was later presented for payment, it was dishonoured, prompting a series of demands for settlement.
“The Defendant requested the plaintiff for a friendly loan of UGX 13,000,000 to be paid over a proposed period of one month,” the plaint states. The plaintiff further alleges that despite several reminders and follow-up requests, the money remains unpaid.
The legal action adds to growing scrutiny surrounding the financial obligations of public officials and leaders who occupy positions of public trust. While the amount in dispute may appear modest compared to large commercial litigation cases, legal analysts note that debt-related disputes involving elected leaders often attract public attention because of their implications on accountability and personal financial management.
In the suit, Masaba argues that the alleged failure to repay the money has caused him inconvenience, loss and damage. He is asking the court to order recovery of the principal sum of Shs13 million, interest from the date of default until full payment, and costs of the suit.
The court documents further indicate that a formal demand notice was issued to Omoding before the commencement of legal proceedings. The notice, dated April 2026 and authored by Masanga & Co. Advocates, demanded payment of the alleged debt within seven days together with Shs1.3 million as costs associated with the notice.
The lawyers warned that failure to comply would result in legal action.
“Should you fail or neglect to heed, we have firm instructions to institute judicial proceedings against you at your cost, peril and embarrassment without further notice to you,” part of the demand notice reads.
Following the alleged failure to settle the matter, Masaba proceeded to file a summary suit before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mbale.
A summons issued by the court requires Omoding to apply for leave to appear and defend the suit within ten days from the date of service. Under Uganda’s summary procedure, defendants are required to seek permission from the court to defend claims that are considered straightforward and supported by documentary evidence.
The summons warns that failure to apply for leave within the prescribed period could entitle the plaintiff to obtain judgment for the amount claimed together with costs.
In an affidavit supporting the claim, Masaba reiterates that he advanced the money to the legislator and that the post-dated cheque allegedly issued as security was not honoured upon presentation. He further states that he believes the defendant has no reasonable defence to the suit.
The court is yet to hear the matter, and no determination has been made regarding the merits of the allegations. As of the filing of the suit, Omoding had not publicly responded to the claims contained in the court documents provided to this publication.
The case is likely to draw significant attention in both political and religious circles, given Omoding’s dual role as an elected Member of Parliament and as Director of Impact Ministries. Supporters and observers will be closely watching the proceedings to see whether the matter is resolved through settlement, mediation, or a full hearing before the court.
Legal experts note that civil debt recovery disputes are common in Uganda’s courts and that filing of a lawsuit does not automatically imply liability. The burden remains on the plaintiff to prove the claim, while the defendant retains the right to challenge the allegations and present evidence in his defence.
Should the court ultimately rule in favour of the plaintiff, it could order repayment of the claimed amount, accrued interest, and legal costs. However, if the defendant successfully challenges the claim or demonstrates a valid defence, the suit could be dismissed.
For now, the dispute remains before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mbale, where the next procedural steps will determine whether the matter proceeds to a substantive hearing or is resolved through other legal avenues.
The unfolding case serves as a reminder that public officials, like all citizens, remain subject to the law and may be called upon to answer civil claims brought against them in court. Until the court has heard both parties and reached a decision, the allegations against Hon. Emmanuel Omoding remain claims before the court and not proven facts as yet.
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