A Rwandan insurance company has secured a major legal breakthrough in Uganda in its efforts to recover Shs14.8 billion owed by Roko Construction Rwanda Ltd, paving the way for the debt to be enforced against the company’s interests in Uganda.
The High Court Commercial Division in Kampala has recognised and registered a judgment issued by Rwanda’s High Commercial Court, allowing MUA Insurance Rwanda Ltd to pursue enforcement against Roko Construction’s assets and proceeds from its business activities in Uganda.
The decision was made on July 12, 2026 by Acting High Court Judge Susan Odongo after MUA asked the Ugandan court to recognise a September 13, 2024 judgment from the High Commercial Court in Kigali.
The Rwandan judgment required Roko Construction Rwanda to pay several sums arising from construction and insurance-related obligations. MUA told the Ugandan court that the outstanding amount had accumulated to Shs14.87 billion, based on exchange rates applicable when the case was filed.
The biggest component is $2.93 million, equivalent to about Shs10.45 billion, relating to construction works undertaken by Village Health Works. Another $350,000, approximately Shs1.25 billion, was awarded for insurance involving Betts & Townsend Project Management Ltd, while FRW1.3 billion, equivalent to about Shs3.17 billion, relates to insurance for construction activities by I&M Bank.
Additional amounts were awarded in legal and court costs.
Roko’s Uganda projects in focus
MUA told court that the Rwandan judgment had not been satisfied and that efforts to recover the money in Rwanda had been complicated by the alleged departure of Roko Construction’s directors from the country.
The insurer argued that Roko Construction continued to conduct business in Uganda, including participating in major construction projects, and that proceeds from those activities could be targeted to settle the debt.
Among the documents presented to court were joint venture agreements involving Roko Construction Rwanda and Ugandan companies. Some of the agreements relate to major projects, including the construction of the New Chamber of Parliament and offices for the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).
MUA therefore sought to use the Ugandan court process to give effect to the Rwandan judgment and pursue assets or proceeds belonging to Roko Construction within Uganda.
Justice Odongo agreed that the judgment met the legal conditions for recognition and enforcement in Uganda, finding that it was final and conclusive, concerned a commercial monetary obligation and remained enforceable in Rwanda.
“The legal obligation created by the Rwandan court is a debt that follows the debtor,” Justice Odongo ruled.
The judge observed that it would be unjust for a company to avoid an adjudicated liability simply by moving across borders while continuing to benefit from commercial opportunities in another jurisdiction.
Court clears way for enforcement
Justice Odongo also rejected arguments that the Rwandan judgment should not be enforced in Uganda.
She found that Roko Construction had participated in the Rwandan proceedings and had been given an opportunity to defend itself. The company had also appealed the decision.
The Ugandan court found no evidence that the judgment had been obtained through fraud or that its enforcement would offend public policy.
“The judgment is from a superior court of a reciprocating Commonwealth territory, it is final and conclusive, it is for a sum of money that is not a fine or tax; the application is timely, and the debt is wholly unsatisfied and enforceable,” the judge said.
The court subsequently ordered that the Rwandan judgment be registered as a judgment of the High Court of Uganda.
The registration means MUA can now begin execution proceedings in Uganda to pursue Roko Construction’s assets and recoverable business proceeds.
The court also awarded MUA Insurance Rwanda the costs of the application.
The ruling brings the long-running dispute into Uganda, where Roko Construction’s ongoing commercial activities could now come under scrutiny as MUA seeks to recover the Shs14.8 billion awarded by the Rwandan court.
