Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) risks being sued for failing to pay rent arrears for its regional offices in Mbale.
The offices which are located along Republic Street in Mbale town were closed on October 6, 2011 by the Landlord – the Bugisu Cooperative Union -BCU.
David Nstuma, the BCU Estate Manager, says FDC is among those they are considering dragging to court for failing to meet their obligation to pay rent arrears.
He says last year in October alone they locked out 86 defaulting tenants who owed BCU more than 200 million shillings in rent arrears.
He said at the time, they were demanding the FDC party about 5 million shillings which has now accumulated to almost 8 million shillings.
He explains that the offices were closed following an operation which the management of the Union launched to recover more than 200 million shillings in rent arrears.
Nstuma says despite several reminders, FDC together with some other defaulters are adamant to pay their rent arrears. Now the Union is considering taking a legal action against them.
Abduhalla Masaba, the Mbale District FDC Chairperson, says the closed offices were for the district and Elgon Zone.
He says that the offices had been instrumental in mobilizing and coordinating party activities.
Masaba says that the party is in the process of paying the money. He however declined to disclose the total amount they owe BCU arguing that it is confidential.
