The High Court has barred businessman Naris Nuwagaba and three associates from using the name and brand “Team Thorough”, ruling that their actions amounted to trademark infringement against Team Thorough Business Mobilizers Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited.
In a decision delivered on December 2, 2025, Justice Susan Odongo found that the defendants used a name and mark that closely resembled the SACCO’s registered trademark, creating confusion among the public. She ordered them to pay Shs10 million in general damages.
Court documents show that Team Thorough SACCO was initially registered on probation in February 2018, before securing permanent registration in December 2022. The cooperative later obtained a licence to operate as a savings and credit institution in April 2023, and three months later registered “Team Thorough SACCO” as a trademark under Class 36.
The dispute emerged after the SACCO discovered that Nuwagaba and his co-defendants were operating from Kira House in Kampala under the name “Team Thorough YKM.” The SACCO accused them of portraying themselves as leaders and members of Team Thorough, both physically and on social media platforms.
According to the SACCO, the defendants were engaged in similar financial mobilisation activities, a situation that caused uncertainty and confusion among members of the public.
Justice Odongo noted that evidence before court showed that the continued use of the SACCO’s name and mark by the defendants had created doubt and confusion.
The SACCO sued for trademark infringement and passing off, seeking a permanent injunction and damages.
The case proceeded ex parte after the defendants failed to appear in court or send legal representation, despite being properly served with summons.
Represented by Bob Muhanguzi of Matrix Advocates, the SACCO argued that the defendants’ conduct contravened the Trademarks Act, which grants exclusive rights to registered trademark owners. Counsel submitted that any use of a similar mark likely to deceive or confuse the public amounts to infringement.
He relied on photographic evidence showing signage at the defendants’ office bearing the “Team Thorough” name and argued that both parties operated within the same sector.
In her ruling, Justice Odongo agreed that infringement had been proved, noting that the defendants were using a mark that was identical or nearly identical to the SACCO’s registered trademark.
However, the court declined to uphold the claim of passing off, finding that the SACCO had not demonstrated sufficient goodwill or market reputation. The judge observed that no market surveys, financial statements, or proof of actual loss had been presented.
“A one-off event of a dignitary attending a function cannot be considered goodwill,” Justice Odongo ruled.
On remedies, the court issued a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from using the name and brand “Team Thorough.”
While the SACCO had sought Shs100 million in damages, the court found the claim largely speculative.
Justice Odongo awarded Shs10 million in general damages, stating that although some economic hardship may have been suffered, the amount was adequate compensation in the circumstances. The court declined to grant punitive damages due to insufficient evidence.
The SACCO was also awarded 50 per cent of the costs of the suit.
Additional reporting by Bbeg Media
