ENTEBBE – The bitter property feud involving former Entebbe Municipal Assistant Engineer Johnnie Yebaza has taken a dramatic new turn, with sources alleging he has defied court proceedings and is considering a multi-billion shilling offer for his contested Livani Beach Motel.
According to information obtained by this publication, Yebaza has been offered Shs 2 billion by Saffron, the proprietor of the competing Saffron Beach Hotel, located in the same Manyago zone of Entebbe Division ‘A’. This development intensifies the legal and marital dispute that has already engulfed the former public official.
The fresh offer comes amidst a fierce battle between Yebaza and his wife of thirty years, Harriet Semasaazi Ayebaza. The couple’s marriage has publicly collapsed over the alleged sale of their joint properties without spousal consent.
The conflict began when Yebaza reportedly sold the couple’s marital home in Nsamizi zone. After the sale, he instructed his wife to relocate to their village home, a move she refused. Instead, Mrs. Semasaazi moved into a house on the property of the Livani Beach Motel in Manyago zone, asserting her rights to the asset.
The situation escalated when she discovered that her husband had not only sold their Nsamizi home but had also allegedly sold a portion of the prized beachfront land to a Chinese investor, identified as Chen Lianren. This transaction, which Mrs. Semasaazi claims was done without her knowledge, sparked the open feud, with her now fighting to maintain possession of the remaining motel structure and land.
The case has highlighted the complex issues of property rights within marriage and the growing pressure from investors on prime real estate in Entebbe.
Neighbors have expressed sadness over the dispute. “To see a marriage of 30 years break down over land like this is very sad. We hope they can find an amicable solution, but it seems headed for the courts,” a local resident commented.
The new Shs 2 billion offer from the owner of Saffron Beach Hotel adds another layer of complexity. If Yebaza proceeds with the sale while legal actions from his wife are pending, it could constitute a defiance of court processes.
Attempts to get a comment from both Johnnie Yebaza and Harriet Semasaazi were unsuccessful at the time of this report. The dispute is expected to see its next chapter in the courts as Mrs. Semasaazi fights to protect her stake in the family’s assets.
