Tensions have heightened over the planned eviction of residents from Perryman Flats, in Old Kampala, over a land dispute that involves the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
The residents were served eviction notices by more than three individuals, including Madina Nassali, Zala Investments, led by Petros Fitwi, and Hassan Mugoya.
The tenants are strongly opposed to these three, who claim ownership and seek to evict them from the premises they also assert rights to.
During a recent meeting involving the affected parties, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Kampala Central, Nsubuga Shafic Ali, along with police and some local leaders, attempted to mediate but failed. This was due to the discovery that some residents in the area had already taken the matter to court.
David Muledhu, who represents the tenants, explained that they could not proceed with discussions until the court rules, as they have raised alarms and the court has issued an injunction halting all actions until ownership is determined.
“We are currently in court and we expect an appearance next month over the issue, so discussing a matter that is before the court may be interpreted as prejudiced and contemptuous, and there is a court injunction to the same,” Muledhu said.
It is alleged that these houses were sold by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), which then transferred them to the three claimants. However, the tenants argue that the ownership and sale were fraudulent, as the properties did not belong to the organization, which is why they took the matter to court.
“We went to court to seek redress. This property has a mother title in Ezekiel Mugambe’s name, and we wonder how UMSC got ownership of the property it later claimed to sell to the trio. We are awaiting court judgement,” said Muledhu on behalf of the others.
Shafiq Nsubuga, the Deputy RCC for Kampala Central, stated that there were irregularities in the purchase and ownership. He revealed that he personally met with Mufti Mubajje to explain the situation and requested him to verify the sale, but nothing was done about it.
“I personally went to Sheikh Shaban Mubajje over the same issue. I asked the mufti to come and hand over the property to the buyers, but he referred me to other offices and I was left in a mess,” said Nsubuga.
However, Nsubuga emphasized that he had come to ascertain the facts, not to adjudicate, since the case is in court, and all parties should wait for the court’s decision.
“I am here on a fact-finding assignment but I have gathered that the matter here is before court. My appeal is for all parties to respect and await court decision because there is an injunction to this effect.”
More than 30 households could be affected if the evictions proceed.
