Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has denied any involvement in the recent demolition of structures at St Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, clarifying that he no longer owns land in the area that has been linked to the operation.
The demolition, which occurred on the night of March 7, sparked widespread concern among traders and the public after reports circulated on social media suggesting that one of the affected plots was registered in Tayebwa’s name.
In a statement issued to address the allegations, the Deputy Speaker said he had indeed obtained a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018 but later surrendered it after being informed that the land was required for public purposes.
“It is true that I obtained a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018 through the formal and legal processes available to any citizen,” Tayebwa said.
He explained that after submitting building plans for approval, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) informed him that the land was needed for strategic city activities.
“KCCA offered to compensate me and I accepted their proposal. The authority took possession of the land approximately three years ago,” he said.
Tayebwa added that he therefore has no legal claim or interest in the plot and cannot be connected to the demolition.
“As a result, I no longer own the said land and hold no interest whatsoever in it. Consequently, there is absolutely no basis for me to evict anyone or participate in any demolition on land that does not belong to me,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also addressed claims that he acquired the land through influence tied to his current position.
According to Tayebwa, the lease was obtained years before he assumed the role of Deputy Speaker and at a time when he held no ministerial office.
“I obtained the lease in 2018—long before I assumed this role and at a time when I held no position that could influence such transactions,” he said, adding that he remains committed to transparency and the rule of law.
The demolition at Owino Market has triggered investigations by KCCA after city authorities said the operation was conducted without official approval.
KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine confirmed that the structures were pulled down without the necessary permits from the city authority.
“Allow the legal and investigation process to take place. KCCA is on the ground and arrests have been made since Saturday when the demolition at Owino Market occurred,” Nuwabiine said.
He also revealed that KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki responded quickly to the incident, arriving at the scene within 45 minutes to assess the situation.
According to KCCA, investigations are ongoing to determine who authorised the demolition and whether city regulations were violated.
Traders affected by the overnight operation say more than 40 shops were destroyed when the structure was brought down at around 10 p.m.
Some vendors reported receiving compensation of about three million shillings each from a businessman said to have interests in redeveloping land near the Nakivubo Channel. The identity of the businessman has not been publicly confirmed.
Trader Robert Mukalazi told reporters that at least 46 vendors were compensated and promised priority access to rent new shops once reconstruction of the area is completed.
While some traders acknowledged that the demolished structure was located close to land earmarked for redevelopment along the Nakivubo Channel, questions remain over who authorised the demolition and whether proper procedures were followed.
Outgoing Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago also criticised the incident, saying the city authority must clarify how such an operation could occur without official clearance.
“KCCA has no capacity to halt what is happening at St Balikuddembe Market,” Lukwago said in an interview, urging oversight bodies including Parliament to follow up on the matter.
St Balikuddembe Market remains one of Kampala’s busiest commercial hubs, hosting thousands of traders and shoppers daily and serving as a key centre for informal trade in the city.
Authorities have urged traders and the public to remain calm as investigations continue, promising that those responsible for the unauthorised demolition will be held accountable.
