A Nigerian real estate company petitions Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, the company seeks help with Uganda’s Foreign Ministry over unpaid rent. Consequently, this Uganda High Commission rent dispute involves N9 million arrears.
Ms Uchie Okolie manages Chennard Apartments. Furthermore, she detailed the Uganda High Commission rent dispute in a July 22 letter. Therefore, the petition reveals Uganda’s mission defaulted on six months’ rent. Officials ignored repeated reminders and formal communications.
The Uganda High Commission rent dispute began in April 2024. In addition, the mission rented a furnished four-bedroom apartment for one year. However, since April 1, 2025, the commission refuses to pay rent. The period covers April to September, totaling N9 million.
The lease originally ran from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Specifically, diplomat Mr Stilson Muhwezi served as the tenant. Nevertheless, complications arose when officials recalled Mr Muhwezi to Kampala in February 2025.
A woman named Jennifer Udeagbara appeared at the apartment. Moreover, she claimed to be the new property manager. Consequently, according to Ms Okolie, this individual harassed the new occupant. Additionally, Jennifer contacted Mr Eriya Tusubira, the mission’s new accounting officer.
Ms Okolie emphasizes that Chennard Apartments holds the legal tenancy agreement. Furthermore, she has taken legal action against Jennifer. Therefore, she pursues diplomatic channels for resolution. In addition, during a meeting with mission officials, she provided a copy of the tenancy agreement.
Officials told her that Mr Muhwezi had supposedly destroyed the original documents. As the original lease neared expiry, Chennard Apartments requested key return. Moreover, they also requested an inventory check on March 28.
The Commission requested a three-month extension. Nevertheless, the company granted this on April 7. Furthermore, they sent an invoice for 4.5 million Naira. However, at the extension’s end, the High Commission allegedly refused to pay.
Reminders sent on July 9 covered unpaid rent. Specifically, the period spans April to June. Additionally, they covered the extension for July to September. Consequently, the total equals 9 million Naira.
Frustrated by the Uganda High Commission rent dispute, Ms Okolie threatened legal action. Moreover, she sent a July 18 letter. Nevertheless, she acknowledged limitations due to diplomatic immunity. Therefore, the 1961 Vienna Convention shields diplomatic missions.
With no legal recourse available, she turned to Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry. Furthermore, she hopes diplomatic engagement will resolve the issue. In addition, Ugandan diplomatic sources describe the Abuja Mission situation. They call it a “complete meltdown.”
The current Chargé d’affaires serves with limited authority. Specifically, Ambassador Phillip Odida works on an extended contract. Moreover, he reached retirement age. Consequently, Uganda’s High Commission in Abuja oversees relations. It handles 15 ECOWAS countries and Equatorial Guinea.
This Uganda High Commission rent dispute embarrasses the troubled mission. Nevertheless, the mission has faced numerous internal scandals. Furthermore, the Uganda High Commission rent dispute connects to broader corruption investigations.
Mr Muhwezi was among several officials recalled in November 2024. Therefore, the Inspector General of Government Beti Kamya issued directives. Additionally, this investigation focuses on alleged corruption. It also focuses on money laundering linked to the Shs19.7 billion Chancery building project.
The probe involves the CID and State House Anti-Corruption Unit. Moreover, officials interdicted Muhwezi, High Commissioner Nelson Ocherger, and deputy Alfred Nnam. As the lease neared expiry, Chennard Apartments requested key return.
Sources describe the mission’s operations as disarray. Specifically, they cite leadership voids and power struggles. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains largely silent. Therefore, they stay quiet on the state of affairs at the mission.
This Uganda High Commission rent dispute highlights governance challenges. Furthermore, it raises questions about accountability in international postings. In addition, the Uganda High Commission rent dispute also reflects tensions. Consequently, it affects Nigeria-Uganda bilateral relations.
Such incidents can strain diplomatic relationships. Moreover, they affect broader cooperation between nations. Nevertheless, property disputes involving diplomatic missions often become sensitive. Therefore, they require careful handling through diplomatic channels.
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