A recent court decision clearing Equity Bank Uganda to recover over Shs1.3 billion from Ratidu Trading Ltd reinforces a central principle of financial fairness: borrowers must honour their obligations, just as lenders must act within the law.The ruling follows a long-running dispute in which Ratidu Trading and its directors attempted to reopen a judgment requiring them to settle a debt exceeding Shs1.3 billion. They argued that critical evidence particularly proof of partial repayment had not been properly presented due to their lawyer’s oversight.However, the court found that this argument did not meet the legal threshold for review. It held that the responsibility to present evidence ultimately lies with the borrower, not solely their legal counsel. Crucially, the court also noted that the alleged “new” evidence was already accessible to the applicants and therefore could not justify reopening the case.Why this ruling matters for financial equityAt its core, the judgment underscores a broader idea of equity in Uganda’s financial system: rules must apply consistently to both powerful institutions and individual borrowers.For banks like Equity Bank, the decision affirms their right to recover funds legally owed; an essential safeguard for depositors whose savings are lent out. Without such enforcement, the stability of the lending system would be undermined.For borrowers, the ruling sends an equally important message: access to credit comes with responsibility. Courts are willing to hear disputes, but they require credible, timely evidence not retrospective claims.While financial institutions often hold greater power, the court’s reasoning reflects an attempt to balance that reality with procedural fairness. By insisting on proper evidence and rejecting attempts to relitigate settled matters without new grounds, the judiciary aims to prevent abuse of process while maintaining access to justice.The post BITTER TRUTH: Court backs accountability as Equity Bank moves to recover Shs1.3 billion appeared first on The Insider.