Ugandan lawyer and former DP MP Fred Mukasa Mbidde is taking legal action against the Zambian government over the fictitious advert that appeared in the country’s newspaper, using his image without his consent.
Mbidde has demanded $1 million or about Shs 3.7billion in compensation from the Zambian government.
The advert featured an individual who identifies as “Chief Mohammad,” a traditional healer, claiming to offer solutions to various problems, including marital issues, financial problems, and success in politics.
Through his law firm of Mbidde & Co. Advocates, he issued a letter to the High Commission of Zambia in Nairobi, Kenya, alerting them of his intent to initiate legal proceedings for defamation and unauthorised exploitation of likeness.
The letter, addressed through the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, details the grievances surrounding the advert, which has been deemed harmful to Mbidde’s reputation.
According to the notification, “Chief Mohammad” has been exploiting Mbidde’s likeness to promote dubious traditional healing services in Zambia.
He views this action as not only defamatory but also an infringement on his rights, as it wrongfully associates him with services and activities that are contrary to his professional standing.
Mbidde argues that the misuse of his image has caused significant damage to his reputation and professional integrity, with the individual audaciously posing as Mbidde to sell services ranging from solving marital problems to enhancing financial luck.
The advert in question shows an image of Dr. Mbidde, labelled as “Chief Mohammad,” with text promoting traditional healing services and providing a phone number for further contact.
The letter emphasises that such fraudulent use of Mbidde’s image for commercial gain is a violation of defamation and intellectual property laws, causing reputational harm and misrepresenting Mbidde’s character and career.
Compensation
Mbidde’s legal team has formally demanded that the Zambian government take immediate action to investigate the matter and ensure the cessation of the advert’s circulation. They have also called for a compensation payment of $1 million to rectify the injury caused to Mbidde’s name, along with legal costs amounting to $10,000.
The demand stipulates a 30-day period for the Zambian authorities to resolve the matter.
Should there be no satisfactory resolution within this timeframe, Mbidde’s legal representatives have stated their intention to initiate further legal action against all implicated parties, including charges of defamation and unauthorised exploitation of likeness.
SOURCE: Pulse Uganda