By Diana N.Kintu
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has issued a public clarification regarding reports linking him to the recent demolitions around St. Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, in central Kampala.
The clarification follows widespread speculation circulating on social media suggesting that the Deputy Speaker had an interest in the land where parts of the market structures were recently demolished.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Tayebwa explained that although he previously acquired a lease for a plot of land in the Nakivubo area, the property was later taken over by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for public use.
According to Tayebwa, he obtained the lease in 2018 and later submitted building plans to KCCA for approval. However, the city authority informed him that the land had already been earmarked for strategic public activities and therefore could not be developed privately.
“When I submitted building plans for approval, KCCA informed me that the land was required for their activities. They offered to compensate me, and I accepted. KCCA took possession of the land approximately three years ago. I no longer own the said land and hold no interest whatsoever in it,” Tayebwa stated.
He emphasised that he no longer has any legal claim, ownership, or involvement in the property and therefore cannot be connected to the recent demolition activities around the market area.
Tayebwa further clarified that he acquired the lease long before he assumed the office of Deputy Speaker of Parliament. At the time, he said, he held no ministerial position or public office that could have influenced the land acquisition.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that the clarification was necessary to address misinformation and speculation that had spread online following the demolition of structures near the market.
“I wish to make it clear that I have no control, interest, or involvement in that land today,” he noted, adding that the matter had been fully settled after KCCA compensated him and repossessed the property several years ago.
Tayebwa also expressed sympathy for the traders affected by the demolition, describing the situation as unfortunate. He acknowledged the challenges faced by vendors operating in the busy commercial hub and called for adherence to transparency and the rule of law in handling land and development issues.
The controversy arose after parts of the structures around St. Balikuddembe Market, particularly along the boundary of the Nakivubo Channel, were demolished overnight by unidentified individuals.
According to KCCA officials, the demolition was carried out without authorisation or a formal demolition permit from the city authority. The incident has raised concerns among vendors and market leaders, many of whom say they were caught by surprise when sections of the structures were pulled down.
The unexpected demolition has unsettled traders operating within and around the market, one of Kampala’s largest and busiest trading centres. Vendors have expressed concerns about the security of their workplaces and livelihoods, prompting calls for authorities to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
The development has also sparked renewed debate about land ownership, urban planning, and the management of commercial spaces in Kampala’s central business district. Owino Market, which hosts thousands of traders and attracts large numbers of shoppers daily, has long been at the centre of discussions about infrastructure development and drainage improvements around the Nakivubo Channel.
City authorities have repeatedly emphasised the need to protect the Nakivubo drainage channel from encroachment to prevent flooding in the city centre, particularly during heavy rains.
As investigations into the demolition continue, officials have urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports linking individuals to the incident.
Meanwhile, traders and market leaders are calling on the authorities to provide clear guidance on the future of the affected structures and ensure that any redevelopment plans consider the welfare of the thousands of vendors who depend on the market for their livelihoods.