KAMPALA — The Thomas Tayebwa has distanced himself from the recent demolition of structures around St. Balikuddembe Market, saying he has no ownership or control over the land where the works took place.
In a statement issued Thursday, Tayebwa said although he once held a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area, he relinquished the property after Kampala Capital City Authority acquired it for public use.
According to the Deputy Speaker, he legally obtained the lease in 2018 after following all the required procedures and paying the necessary fees.
However, when he later submitted building plans for approval, the city authority informed him that the land was required for strategic public projects. Tayebwa said KCCA subsequently offered compensation for the property, which he accepted.
He added that the authority took possession of the land about three years ago, meaning he no longer has any stake in it.
“As such, I have no legal authority to evict anyone or demolish any structures on land that I do not own,” Tayebwa said.
The Deputy Speaker also rejected suggestions that he acquired the plot because of his current position, noting that he secured the lease years before becoming Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda.
The clarification comes amid public debate over the demolition of structures around Owino Market linked to redevelopment works along the Nakivubo drainage corridor.
