Kampala, UG – Hon. Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, former member of the 3rd East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and a prominent Ugandan lawyer, has initiated legal steps to address the unauthorized use of his image by a Zambian national known as “Chief Mohammad.”

The matter has been formally raised through Mbidde Co Advocates, who, on September 25, 2024, sent a letter to the Zambian High Commission in Nairobi demanding immediate action.

The letter, directed to the Ambassador of Zambia, highlights concerns over the misuse of Dr. Mbidde’s likeness to promote “Chief Mohammad” as a traditional healer. According to the legal representatives, this unauthorized usage has damaged Dr. Mbidde’s reputation and misled the public, associating his respected name with practices he has no involvement in.

Dr. Mbidde, well-known for his contributions to regional integration and his distinguished legal career, finds this situation highly detrimental to his public and professional standing. The letter from Mbidde Co Advocates outlines that the misuse of his image not only constitutes defamation but also infringes on his intellectual property rights.

His lawyers have since called on the Zambian High Commission to take swift action to investigate and stop the unlawful appropriation of Dr. Mbidde’s likeness. In addition, they are demanding compensation of USD 1,000,000 for the damage caused to his reputation, along with USD 10,000 in legal fees.

In the letter, Mbidde Co Advocates made it clear that if the matter is not resolved within 30 days, further legal action will be pursued against the parties responsible for the exploitation of Dr. Mbidde’s image. The firm has expressed a preference for an amicable resolution but emphasizes that the issue must be addressed promptly.

This legal development underscores the seriousness with which Dr. Mbidde is protecting his image and reputation. Known for his extensive experience in legal affairs and his tenure as a former EALA representative, he has built a career marked by integrity. The alleged misuse by “Chief Mohammad” undermines that hard-earned reputation, prompting swift legal recourse.

As the deadline looms, all eyes are on the Zambian High Commission to respond to this urgent issue and take necessary action to prevent further damage to Dr. Mbidde’s standing in both Uganda and the region.