Six suspects linked to the destruction of a private home in Ntinda, Kampala, were remanded to Luzira Prison following their arraignment before the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Chief Magistrate’s Court. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) collaborated with Kira Road Police Station on the arrests, charging the individuals with aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony. The suspects, including Julius Lukwago, Hussien Kato, Peter Okello, Umar Katerega, Hussein Ochen, and Godfrey Bahati, face allegations of forcibly entering the family home of the late Eng. Johnson Eliba Orech, armed with machetes, and violently attacking and robbing a family member of their phone and money.
Earlier incidents involving the property include the illegal demolition of the family home without a court order on December 26, 2022, orchestrated by individuals acting on the instructions of Yusuf Ssemakula. SHACU had been investigating the matter, advocating the maintenance of the status quo until the conclusion of court cases determining property ownership.
Yusuf Ssemakula, previously implicated in land disputes, is cited in similar cases of illegal evictions. In September last year, he faced charges of malicious property damage, accused of destroying property belonging to 99-year-old Helena Namazzi. Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba had previously intervened, instructing a halt to evictions during the Christmas and New Year festive season, considering the vulnerability of tenants during the holiday period. She reiterated warnings against such evictions in the past month.
