Tayebwa Denies Involvement in Owino Market Demolitions

KAMPALA — The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has distanced himself from the recent demolition exercise around St. Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, following social media claims linking him to one of the affected plots.

In a clarification issued on Thursday, Tayebwa said although a plot in the Nakivubo area was once registered in his name, he no longer owns or controls the land and therefore has no involvement in the eviction or demolition of structures in the area.

According to the Deputy Speaker, he legally obtained a lease for the plot in 2018 through the formal procedures available to any Ugandan citizen.

“I applied, followed the stipulated procedures, and paid all requisite fees like anyone else,” Tayebwa said.

However, when he later submitted building plans for approval, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) reportedly informed him that the land was required for strategic public activities.

Tayebwa said KCCA subsequently offered compensation for the plot, which he accepted.“KCCA went ahead 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,” he explained.

He emphasized that he currently has no legal claim, control, or involvement in the property, dismissing allegations that he could have ordered or participated in the demolition of structures on the land.

The Deputy Speaker also rejected claims that he acquired the land due to his current political position.

He noted that the lease was obtained in 2018, long before he assumed the office of Deputy Speaker in the Parliament of Uganda.

“I obtained the lease long before I assumed this role and at a time when I held no ministerial position or office that could influence such transactions,” Tayebwa said.

Despite distancing himself from the events, Tayebwa expressed sympathy for vendors affected by the demolitions around the busy market.

“The recent events around the market are unfortunate for the affected vendors, and I sympathize with their plight,” he said.

Demolitions around St. Balikuddembe Market have sparked debate on social media, with traders and members of the public demanding clarity about the ownership of land in the area and the authority behind the exercise.