International Rescue Committee, IRC, a non-governmental organization has been slapped with a damage claim of Shs. 100 million from Moroto High Court over a false and defamatory statement where the complainant was tarnished as a thief.

Chris Omwony, the plaintiff was an employee of IRC from June 2019 to December 2019 as a women protection and empowerment officer in Napak district.

The complainant argues that he had no laptop assigned to him but rather an account was created for him to enable him do his work on a desktop at the Moroto office.

M/s Atigo & Company Advocates, counsel for the accuser say a declaration that the acts of IRC were defamatory, malicious as such the plaintiff is entitled to a compensation.

Thus, the applicant prays for judgment to be entered against IRC for general damages for inconvenience, isolation from friends, economic loss, mental suffering and psychological torture to a tune of Shs. 100 million-[One hundred million].

Others include, costs of suit, an apology plus any other remedy that court deems fit.

A court summon, dated June 05, 2023 requires IRC, the country director – Uganda program Elijah Okeyo and the field coordinator Babra Angela Ariko to file a defense within 15 days from the date of service of summons.

However, should IRC fail to file the defense on or before the date, the appellant may proceed with the suit, hence, judgment may be entered into their absence.

If successful, the claim will be one of the largest of its kind in Karamoja sub region history.