The Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa, has clarified his alleged involvement in the recent demolitions near St. Balikuddembe Market, saying he no longer owns the plot linked to the controversy.
Tayebwa said he acquired a lease for land in the Nakivubo area in 2018 through a formal application process that was open to the public.
However, when he later sought approval to develop the property, the Kampala Capital City Authority informed him that the land was required for public and strategic purposes.
According to the Deputy Speaker, KCCA subsequently compensated him and repossessed the land about three years ago.
“As a result, I no longer own the said land and hold no interest whatsoever in it,” Tayebwa said in a statement.
He added that he has no connection to the demolition exercise that recently affected traders operating around the busy downtown market, commonly known as Owino Market.
While distancing himself from the operation, Tayebwa expressed sympathy with vendors whose businesses were affected by the demolitions.
