A heated disagreement has erupted within the Uganda Police Force over the enforcement of conflicting court orders related to controversial land disputes that culminated in the illegal demolition of houses & a mosque in Mengo Kisenyi
The matter stems from two separate legal battles. In one case, the Court of Appeal issued a stay of execution in Civil Application No. 233 of 2023, barring any action on a 2021 High Court ruling pending the resolution of an appeal. This case involves plaintiffs Bujingo Ayubu, Kafuma Ibrahim, and Kassim Abdirahman of Kasab B.M. Investment Ltd challenged the ruling in favour of the respondents, Abubakali Kigoba and others.
Simultaneously, a temporary injunction issued by the High Court’s Land Division in Miscellaneous Application No. 1830 of 2022 prohibited any transactions or alterations on disputed land, including plots in Namirembe and Kisugu, until the main case is resolved.
Temporary injuction order
Tensions escalated when a mosque and other structures on land at Kibuga Block 12 Plots 665, 658& 659 in Kasaato Zone were demolished. According to Kizito Lutwama Moussa, a group led by one John Bosco Muwonge descended on his property with armed police officers allegedly providing security. The demolition reportedly involved a tractor and approximately 40 individuals who dismantled buildings and removed materials overnight.
Also, in a formal complaint filed with the Police Professional Standards Unit, Abdirahman, on the other hand, alleges that the demolition of his property occurred despite ongoing legal disputes and was conducted in violation of the court orders. He further accuses the police officers present of enabling the destruction, which included the theft of iron sheets, wood, and other materials.
Such incidents have sparked division within the police force, as directors reportedly disagree on how to proceed. Some argue for strict adherence to the Court orders, while others are business minded.
The complainant’s legal representatives have demanded a thorough investigation, citing police complicity in the alleged illegal demolitions. They have also called for restitution and accountability for those involved, emphasizing the importance of upholding court directives.
Nevertheless, today in Kiwatule Umar Katongole, with the help of the same Police Directors, went with a false sales agreement on the land belonging to Juma Kayondo in Kiwatule illegally started fencing it off. Kayondo, through his lawyer, rushed to Police Headquarters to get assistance from the Director legal and Director Operations, but he didn’t get any help from them as they were pretending to be busy. Many people have complained to the President over the current wave of land evictions in the country, and these evictions involve the same selfish Senior Police Officers. What is now left is a question whether with this kind of appetite won’t these officers claim part of the Uganda Police land and/or the State House !