A court in Makindye Division in Kampala, Uganda, has ordered the administrator of a WhatsApp group to reinstate a member after ejecting him.
Herbert Baitwababo went to court to challenge his removal from the “Buyanja My Roots” group by the admin, Allan Asinguza.
The Daily Monitor reported that Baitwababo told the court that the WhatsApp group for their Buyanja Sub-County in Rukungiri district was formed to contribute to charity work and offer condolences and support to people in the area.
Each member was required to pay Sh. 30,000 (KSH 1,000) as a membership fee.
“As members of the said WhatsApp group, we developed the idea of starting an association and agreed that one had to pay Sh.30,000 only to subscribe for the membership, and as such, I fully registered.”
“All communication and matters concerning the association were conveyed through the WhatsApp group,” read part of Mr. Baitwababo’s affidavit.
His goose cooked when he asked the group admin about the process that allowed them to manage the group’s affairs, an audit report, and accountability for funds collected since 2017, when the group was formed.
The admin removed him from the group on May 17, 2023, forcing him to rush to court.
In its ruling on Monday, the court further stopped any other administrator of the ‘Buyanja My Roots’ WhatsApp group from ever ejecting Baitwababo on the grounds that it infringes on the right and freedom of association.
“It is hereby ordered that the applicant be ordered back to the ‘Buyanja My Roots’ WhatsApp group. A permanent injunction is also issued restraining the respondent, his agents, or his assignees from further infringing on the applicant’s right of association,” the magistrate directed.
Thanks for choosing WKT. Advertise with us for affordable offers.