KAMPALA – Vision Group has dismissed reports that Bukedde Newspaper’s Photo Editor Herbert Lumansi’s departure is linked to the publication of Daily Monitor’s Alex Esagala copyrighted photo without permission.
A top official at Vision Group confirmed his departure but insisted that “Lumansi’s leaving has nothing to do with the photo.”
Without giving details, the sources said Mr. Lumansi left but for other reasons.
Earlier reports had indicated that Mr. Robert Kabushenga, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vision Group, had sacked Mr. Lumansi who has been Bukedde photo editor for allegedly authorizing the publication of Esagala’s copyrighted photo without permission.
This was after lawyers demanded Vision Group to pay UGX.400m for infringing Esagala’s photo copyrights.
Esagala through his lawyers of Kaggwa & Kaggwa Advocates, Mr. Esagala claims that his award-winning photograph appeared in the Bukedde newspaper on November 25, 2019, without his consent, hence demanding the paper to pay for damages over the great risk he took while taking the said photo.
Lawyers also in a legal notice addressed to Mr. Kabushenga, indicated they have instructions to sue the should the company fail to pay the above-mentioned sums together with 10% of the said sum as Lawyers’ fees within 7 days from the date of receipt of a legal notice.
“In the foregoing, we request for usage fees and damages of UGX.400, 000,000 due to the great risk our client takes while taking the said photo and skill while executing the same,” lawyers added.
The New Vision Printing and Publishing co. ltd was directed to respond by paying the damages within seven days of face infringement lawsuit from the popular photographer.
