KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has refuted claims linking him to the recent controversial demolitions around St. Balikuddembe Market (Owino).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Hon. Tayebwa issued a clarification via his X handle (formerly Twitter) to address an influx of inquiries and online claims. He refuted any involvement in the exercise and detailed the legal history of his former ownership of a plot at the site.
The Deputy Speaker confirmed that while he did obtain a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018, he rejected social media claims suggesting he was behind the partial demolition of structures on the site.
He stressed that he acquired the plot through formal channels, following all stipulated procedures and paying the required fees, well before becoming a leader in the 11th Parliament.
Hon. Tayebwa explained, however, that his ownership ceased years later when the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) informed him the land was needed for strategic public activities, prompting him to accept their compensation offer.
“When I subsequently submitted building plans for approval, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) informed me that the land was required for their strategic activities and public purposes. KCCA then offered to compensate me, and I accepted their proposal,” the statement read.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa confirmed that KCCA took possession of the land approximately three years ago, meaning he no longer holds any legal claim, control, or interest in the plot.
He firmly asserted that there is therefore no basis for him to evict anyone or participate in any demolition on land that does not belong to him.
While describing the recent events around the market as unfortunate for the affected vendors and expressing sympathy for their plight, he maintained that he has no connection to the demolition.
“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,” Tayebwa said.
The overnight demolition at St. Balikuddembe Market in Kampala has left vendors and city residents in shock, with many questioning how such an operation could take place in the heart of the city without official authorization.
The incident occurred under the cover of darkness on March 7, 2026, along Sebana Road at the boundary of the Nakivubo Channel. It has since triggered widespread accusations of foul play and demands for accountability.
KCCA confirmed that the demolition was carried out unlawfully, stating that unidentified persons descended upon a structure forming part of Owino Market on March 7, 2026, and demolished it without authorization.
The city authority condemned the act as reckless, emphasizing that it was done without obtaining the necessary demolition permit.
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