The Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa, has distanced himself from the demolition exercise that took place last Saturday on disputed land in the Nakivubo area.
In a statement issued on March 12, 2026, Tayebwa condemned the demolition and expressed sympathy to people whose property was destroyed.
“I hope the Kampala Capital City Authority and the police are investigating the matter so that whoever is responsible is held accountable,” Tayebwa said.
He confirmed that he once obtained a lease for a plot in Nakivubo but clarified that the process was done legally and long before he became Deputy Speaker.
According to Tayebwa, he acquired the 25-year lease for Plot 22A through the Kampala District Land Board on May 1, 2012, and later registered it in April 2018.
However, he explained that KCCA later reclaimed the land, promising to offer him alternative land or compensation.
“Ugandans need to know that I no longer own any property at Nakivubo, and I don’t even have any interest there,” Tayebwa said in an interview with New Vision.
He added that when KCCA approached him about taking back the land, he accepted on condition that the authority either allocate him another plot of similar value or compensate him.
The demolition in question took place around St. Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, where some reports had linked Tayebwa to the affected land.
However, Daniel Nuweabiine, spokesperson of KCCA, explained that the authority reclaimed the land because it was urgently needed for another public purpose.
He said KCCA intends to fulfill its promise of offering Tayebwa an alternative plot or compensation once the relevant committee completes its discussions.