law 24 August 2026 Nile Post
ABC Capital Bank Takes Former Cranes Captain Andy Mwesigwa to Court for Defamation
ABC Capital Bank has filed a defamation lawsuit against former Uganda Cranes captain Andy Mwesigwa over his public accusations regarding a Shs480 million loan for his school. Mwesigwa had alleged the bank was collaborating with "sports mafias" and imposing unlawful interest rates. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/366128/abc-capital-bank-sues-former-cranes-captain-andy-mwesigwa-over-defamation
ABC Capital Bank is suing former Uganda Cranes captain Andy Mwesigwa in the High Court, seeking damages for alleged defamation. The legal action stems from public statements made by Mwesigwa concerning a Shs480 million loan extended to his Amesco High School in Wakiso.
The bank claims Mwesigwa made false and malicious allegations, including accusations that “sports mafias” were working with ABC Capital Bank to seize his school, and that the bank imposed an unlawful 30% monthly interest rate. These statements were reportedly published across various media platforms, including Umoja Standard, Galaxy FM, TikTok, and YouTube.
ABC Capital Bank denies these allegations, asserting that its actions have always been lawful and in line with the loan agreement. According to bank records, Mwesigwa’s school secured a Shs480 million term loan in January 2020, with an effective interest rate of 23.5% and a penal rate of 38.5%. The bank states that Mwesigwa failed to consistently meet his payment obligations, leading to the accumulation of overdue amounts.
The bank’s records indicate that as of May 18, 2026, the total outstanding amount had reached Shs1,279,587,998.68. A court ruling on July 30, 2026, granted Mwesigwa a conditional temporary injunction, requiring him to deposit 30% of the outstanding liability, approximately Shs392.3 million, in court.
ABC Capital Bank argues that Mwesigwa’s public statements were an attempt to pressure the bank and influence public opinion while the matter was before the courts. The bank contends these statements have significantly damaged its reputation and incurred public relations expenses to counter a “false narrative.”
The bank seeks a court declaration of Mwesigwa’s liability for defamation, a permanent injunction against further defamatory statements, a public apology and retraction, general, punitive, and exemplary damages, interest, and legal costs. The suit was filed on August 20, 2026.
Source: Nile Post