Ugandan businessman and Simba Group of Companies chairman Patrick Bitature has been ordered by the Commercial Court to pay Finicon (U) Ltd US$256,136.17 (app. UGx 955 Million) in outstanding architectural consultancy fees.
The judgment was electronically delivered on August 18, 2026, by Commercial Court Judge Stephen Mubiru, following a dispute arising from two architectural consultancy agreements signed in 2012.
The agreements were related to a proposed US$6 million boutique hotel and residence remodelling project.
During the case, Bitature challenged the enforceability of the agreements, raising several defences, including alleged illegality, fraud, vagueness and claims that the consultancy fees had already been fully paid.
However, the court rejected the defences and found that the agreements were clear, certain and legally enforceable.
The court also found that Finicon had completed approximately 76% of the contracted work, with its performance supported by regulatory approvals, project documents and other evidence presented during the proceedings.
As a result, Finicon was awarded US$256,136.17, excluding Value Added Tax (VAT).
The court further ordered that the outstanding amount attract 9% annual interest from May 20, 2014, together with the costs of the suit.
The ruling also highlights the importance of signed professional consultancy agreements, regulatory approvals and project documentation when determining contractual obligations and payments in commercial disputes.
Finicon (U) Limited v Patrick Bitature (Civil Suit No. 1003 of 2018) [2026] UGCommC 398 (18 August 2026)
Court enforces two architectural consultancy contracts for a US$6 million boutique hotel and residential remodelling project, rejects illegality and fraud defences, and… pic.twitter.com/UtzV5VtsJv
— Uganda Legal Information Institute (@Uganda_LII) August 19, 2026
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