Pastor Daniel Walugembe of Restored Faith Tabernacle Kikaaya has strongly denied allegations linking him to a controversial land takeover in Katanga Valley near Wandegeya, Kampala, stating that he is a lawful Kibanja holder—not the owner of the land in question. Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala, Pastor Walugembe clarified that his interests are legally recognised and have been upheld by multiple court rulings spanning several years.
Walugembe emphasised that his Kibanja interests were legitimately acquired from the family of the late Ashe Mukasa Sendaula, from whom he purchased 15 acres, in addition to 13.7 acres acquired from other licensees. He noted that court rulings delivered in 2015, 2019, and 2021 all affirmed his status as a lawful occupant and dismissed the claims of those accusing him of land grabbing.
“I acquired my Kibanja interests from the family of the late Ashe Mukasa Sendaula, who sold me 15 acres, while another 13.7 acres were sold to me by other licensees. It is unfortunate that some individuals continue to blackmail me by spreading falsehoods about land grabbing when their claims were dismissed by court,” Walugembe said.
He added that the sellers—Bulasio Buyise, Jonathan Masembe, Sendawula Ronald, Sendawula Isiah, and Latimer Mpagi—are legally recognised beneficiaries of the Sendaula estate.
According to High Court records, the family was declared bonafide occupants of the Katanga land, giving them legal protection against eviction under the 1998 Land Act, which safeguards occupants who have resided on land for at least 12 years without contest.
As a result, their licensees, including Pastor Walugembe, are recognized as holding valid Kibanja interests.
A 2015 ruling delivered by then-judge Alfonse Owiny Dollo validated the sale agreement between Pastor Walugembe and the Sendaula family. In October 2017, the parties further entered into a consent judgment before Justice Alexandria Nkonge Rugadya, reinforcing the legitimacy of the transfer.
However, in September 2021, a group of approximately 100 residents filed a case against Pastor Walugembe and the Sendaula family, challenging the consent judgment. Justice Nkonge dismissed the case with costs, stating that the applicants had no legal standing, having failed to challenge earlier court decisions.
“The applicants, who also claim to be bonafide occupants, never took the trouble to challenge the 2015 decision, which was entered by this court long before,” Justice Nkonge ruled.
Walugembe described the renewed accusations from some Katanga residents as malicious and misleading, aimed at damaging his reputation and causing unwarranted community tension.
“None of my accusers has ever presented valid documents to prove their claims. They are simply misleading the public and the authorities about my ownership status,” he said.
The pastor reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and urged the public to rely on verified court records rather than misinformation.