Thousands of homeowners and businesses in the areas of Lubowa, Lweza, Bunamwaya, and Mutungo are gripped by fear following a recent ruling by the High Court, which has left them vulnerable to possible eviction.
Late last year, Justice Musa Ssekaana, the head of the Civil Division of the High Court, handed down a ruling favoring five administrators of the estate of the late Prince Yusuf Suuna Kiweewa, a royal of the Buganda Kingdom. The ruling affirmed their legitimate interest in the contested land, stipulating that their claim cannot be disregarded without adequate compensation from the government.
The affected entities include housing projects by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the National Housing and Construction Corporation, and various other public and private entities operating in the area.
In response to the ruling, the Attorney General’s office has filed a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal, although the hearing is pending. The disputed land spans approximately two square miles, impacting numerous residential and commercial properties.
NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota asserted the fund’s rightful ownership of approximately 600 acres of land in Lubowa, acquired through legitimate transactions over the years. Despite past disputes and encroachments, NSSF maintains full possession of the land, with all titles registered in its name.
Similarly, Norbert Uwizera, the chairperson of Lubowa residents, expressed concerns over the historical complexities surrounding land distribution, highlighting the potential ramifications for taxpayers and private citizens.
The legal saga dates back to 2021 when the administrators of Prince Suuna’s estate filed a lawsuit seeking either land titles or compensation equivalent to the market value of the contested land. However, Justice Ssekaana’s ruling not only poses eviction threats but also exposes the government to potential compensation claims from numerous landowners across Kampala Metropolitan and Wakiso district.
