The High Court Land Division has commenced a fresh hearing of the protracted land dispute involving the property where St Peter’s Church Ndeeba once stood, marking a significant development in a case that has spanned nearly two decades.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Christine Echokiti outlined the procedures that will guide the rehearing and adjourned the case to March 18, 2026.
The fresh proceedings follow earlier directives issued by then Principal Judge Flavian Zeija, now Chief Justice, ordering that the original land ownership case be heard afresh.
That decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal, clearing the way for the matter to return to the High Court.
Christians of St Peter’s Church Ndeeba, led by pastors, church elders, and their legal team, arrived at the High Court as early as 4am to witness the reopening of the case concerning the land on which their church previously stood.
The church building was demolished in 2020 by businessman Dodovico Mwanje, who had purchased the land and secured a title from the children of the late Princess Evelyn Nacwa, a daughter of Daudi Chwa II.
The matter had previously been concluded in favour of Princess Nacwa’s children — Dan Semwanga, John Kajoba, Edward Balunga, and Steven Nakibinge — who were awarded ownership of the contested land in a High Court ruling delivered by Justice John Eudes Kaitirima.
The court cancelled the church’s land title and declared the princess’s children the lawful proprietors.
Following their victory, the family sold the land to Mwanje. After acquiring the title, Mwanje, working with the Kampala Capital City Authority, oversaw the demolition of the church structure — a move that left the congregation devastated.
The Christians subsequently petitioned both the courts and President Yoweri Museveni for intervention.
The President pledged support for rebuilding the church, and Parliament approved funds intended to compensate Mwanje.
However, Mwanje declined the compensation, maintaining that he lawfully purchased the property and intended to retain ownership.
The dispute has since persisted in various courts, with legal battles continuing for years.
Dissatisfied with the order for a retrial issued by then Principal Judge Zeija, Mwanje appealed to the Court of Appeal.
A panel comprising Justices Irene Mulyagonja, Oscar Kihika, and Moses Kazibwe upheld the decision for a fresh hearing, effectively reinstating the case before the High Court.
The renewed proceedings now pit the children of Princess Evelyn Nacwa against representatives of St Peter’s Church Ndeeba, including Ruth Natembo Kitaka, Richard Kitaka Esau, and Lucy Nsubuga — widow of Bishop Danstan Nsubuga — all of whom were parties in the earlier litigation.
The Nacwa family is represented by lawyer James Nangwala, while the church’s legal team is led by Jamil Mpiima.
Given that the case has lasted 18 years, some original parties, including Dan Semwanga and Stephen Nakibirige, have since passed away and have been formally removed from the proceedings.
Justice Echokiti directed that the matter proceed in accordance with established civil procedure, with parties expected to comply with timelines and evidentiary requirements ahead of the next hearing date.
The case was adjourned to March 18, 2026.
