A Ugandan court has ruled that a man who was kicked out of a WhatsApp group for questioning its financial management should be reinstated. Herbert Baitwababo had sued the group admin, Allan Asinguza, for violating his right to association.
The group, called ‘Buyanja My Roots’, was created by Asinguza for people from Buyanja Sub-county in Rukungiri District. The group members contributed money for charity works, condolences, and support for calamity victims.
Baitwababo paid a subscription fee of Shs30,000 to join the group and become a registered member. He later wrote a letter to Asinguza, asking for documents on how the group funds were being used since 2017.
Asinguza reacted by removing Baitwababo from the group on May 17, 2023. Baitwababo felt that his right to association was infringed and sought justice from the court.
The Makindye Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Mr Igga Adiru, ordered Asinguza to add Baitwababo back to the group and issued a permanent injunction to prevent further ejections.
The court said that Baitwababo had a legitimate interest in knowing how the group funds were being spent and that Asinguza’s action was unjustified.
