The Legal Minds Behind Sudhir’s Victory Over DFCU Bank: Meet Joseph Kyazze & Jackline Natukunda

By Gad Masereka

In a landmark decision on October 24, 2023, the High Court of Uganda (Land Division) ruled that dfcu Bank was unlawfully occupying 48 properties that formerly belonged to Crane Bank, now defunct. These properties, leased from Meera Investments, were transferred to dfcu Bank without the necessary legal approval from the lessor, Meera Investments. The court ordered the restitution of the properties to Meera Investments and directed dfcu Bank to pay UGX 2.4 billion in damages.

Behind this legal victory for Meera Investments were two key figures: Joseph Kyazze and Jackline Natukunda of Magna Advocates, the law firm that represented Meera in court. Magna Advocates, a firm known for its expertise in corporate and commercial law, played a pivotal role in overturning dfcu Bank’s claim to the properties.

Joseph Kyazze, the head of litigation at Magna Advocates, led the legal team in this high-profile case. A graduate of Makerere University and the University of Cambridge, Kyazze is a seasoned advocate with expertise in banking, finance, and commercial law. He has represented clients both locally and regionally and is renowned for his strategic approach to complex legal disputes. His ability to navigate the intricacies of property and conveyance law was instrumental in securing the favorable ruling for Meera Investments.

Working alongside Kyazze was Jackline Natukunda, a senior associate at Magna Advocates. Natukunda is a highly experienced lawyer with a strong background in commercial litigation, real estate, and land transactions. Her extensive knowledge of land law and property disputes added significant value to the case, ensuring that the legal arguments presented were robust and convincing.

The court’s decision not only highlighted dfcu Bank’s illegal transfer of the properties but also set an important precedent regarding the rights of lessors in Uganda. The ruling reaffirmed that statutory takeovers cannot override existing lease agreements without proper consent from the lessor.

Magna Advocates, the firm representing Meera Investments, is known for its client-focused approach. “We believe in delivering practical solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients,” the firm states. With a team of cross-disciplinary experts, the firm consistently provides innovative legal strategies to safeguard the interests of its clients.

This victory further solidifies Magna Advocates’ reputation as one of Uganda’s leading law firms, particularly in property and commercial law. Through the efforts of Joseph Kyazze and Jackline Natukunda, Meera Investments successfully regained control of its assets, and dfcu Bank was held accountable for its unlawful actions.