Tayebwa Clarifies Land Ownership, Distances Self from Owino Market Demolition
KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has moved to clarify his involvement in a recent controversial demolition exercise at St. Balikuddembe Market (Owino), denying allegations that he is connected to the evictions following claims that affected land was registered under his name.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Tayebwa acknowledged that he did acquire a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018. However, he emphasized that the land was legally transferred to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) three years ago after the authority expressed a need for it for strategic public purposes.
“It is true that I obtained a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018. This was done through the formal and legal processes available to any citizen,” the statement reads in part.
According to Tayebwa, when he submitted building plans for approval, KCCA informed him that the land was required for their strategic activities. The authority subsequently offered compensation, which he accepted, and took possession of the land approximately three years ago.
“As a result, I no longer own the said land and hold no interest whatsoever in it. I have no legal claim, control, or involvement in that plot today,” Tayebwa stated.
He firmly refuted claims that he was behind the recent demolitions around the market, which left several vendors displaced. He expressed sympathy for those affected but stressed he had no connection to the operation.
“There is absolutely no basis for me to evict anyone or participate in any demolition on land that does not belong to me. The recent events around the market are unfortunate for the affected vendors, and I sympathize with their plight, but I have no connection to the demolition of that night,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also addressed insinuations that his current political office may have facilitated the acquisition of the land. He clarified that the lease was obtained in 2018, long before he assumed the role of Deputy Speaker and at a time when he held no ministerial or influential office that could have been used to sway such transactions.
Tayebwa reiterated his commitment to transparency and the rule of law, urging the public to disregard what he termed as misinformation circulating on social media regarding his alleged role in the matter.
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