The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has summoned two city landlords to appear before it next month following a petition by more than 100 traders alleging discrimination, arbitrary rent increments and unlawful eviction threats.
The quasi-judicial commission adjourned the matter to March 6, 2026, directing Ms Christine Nabukeera and Mr Tom Kitandwe to appear in person.
EOC member Habib Sseruwagi warned that failure to honour the summons could result in arrest warrants being issued against the duo.
The commission also extended the deadline for the respondents to file formal written submissions to February 27, 2026, by 5pm.
Mr Sseruwagi said the EOC, a government institution mandated to address discrimination and marginalisation, had instituted investigations into the dispute.
“The issues raised point to possible marginalisation of tenants and alleged breach of contractual obligations. We have directed commission counsel to investigate and compile a report to enable the commission handle the matter conclusively,” he said.
The complaint was lodged by traders operating in buildings commonly known as Gazaland and Grand Corner in downtown Kampala. The tenants accuse the landlords of defying a court order that directed parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the dispute.
They allege that some shops have been locked, electricity disconnected and eviction notices issued without prior consultation.
One of the complainants, Mr Kyakunda Justin, told the commission that tenants are now uncertain about the actual ownership of the buildings.
“I own shops in what we have always known as Kitandwe’s buildings — Gazaland and Grand Corner. For years, he has been our landlord. But in court, he denied owning any buildings in town. We are confused because we no longer know who our landlord is,” Mr Kyakunda said.
He explained that when he first rented the premises in 2012, he paid Shs3 million in rent. The amount has since increased to Shs5.2 million, in addition to Shs350,000 for electricity.
“Other tenants in the same building are paying as little as Shs900,000. We do not understand the criteria used to determine these charges,” he said, adding that the disparities prompted tenants to unite and petition the commission.
According to Mr Kyakunda, about 100 tenants have jointly sought the intervention of the EOC to clarify tenancy terms and establish the rightful ownership of the premises.
The traders are represented by officials from the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA). Its president, John Kabanda, accused the landlords of imposing arbitrary rent increments and accumulating unexplained utility bills.
“We have members who bought goodwill for their shops as far back as 2012 but are now facing eviction. There must be transparency and fairness in how these properties are managed,” Mr Kabanda said.
Counsel to the commission, Ivan Koyo, confirmed that the complaint centres on alleged marginalisation of tenants and discriminatory treatment in the management of the buildings.
“The matter before the commission concerns over 100 tenants who claim they are being unfairly treated. The judicial officer has directed that investigations be carried out and findings presented to guide the commission,” Mr Koyo said.
He noted that none of the respondents appeared before the commission despite being duly summoned, prompting the adjournment.
“With the respondents absent today, we shall wait for them to appear on the given date and respond to the claims. That will enable the judicial officer to arrive at a just decision that considers both sides,” he added.
The case is expected to test the mandate of the Equal Opportunities Commission in addressing claims of discrimination and ensuring equal treatment in commercial tenancy arrangements within Kampala’s busy business district.
