Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has clarified his ownership status of a plot of land near St. Balikuddembe Market amid public concern and social media speculation linking him to recent demolitions in the area.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account posted today, 12th March 2026, Tayebwa said he legally obtained a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018, following the established procedures available to any Ugandan citizen.
“It is true that I obtained a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018. This was done through the formal and legal processes available to any citizen. I applied, followed the stipulated procedures, and paid all requisite fees like anyone else,” Tayebwa stated.
He explained that after submitting building plans for approval, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) informed him that the land was required for strategic public purposes.
“When I subsequently submitted building plans for approval, KCCA informed me that the land was needed for their strategic activities and public purposes. They offered to compensate me, and I accepted their proposal,” he added.
Tayebwa said the city authority took possession of the land approximately three years ago, meaning he no longer has any ownership or interest in the property.
“As a result, I no longer own the said land and hold no interest whatsoever in it. I have no legal claim, control, or involvement in that plot today,” he emphasized.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament dismissed allegations linking him to the recent demolition exercise near the market, emphasizing that he has no authority over land he does not own.
“Consequently, there is absolutely no basis for me to evict anyone or participate in any demolition on land that does not belong to me,” Tayebwa pointed out.
Addressing claims that he acquired the land due to his position in government, the Deputy Speaker clarified that the lease was obtained before he assumed the role.
“For those suggesting that I acquired this land because of my current position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, please note that I obtained the lease in 2018, long before assuming this role, at a time when I held no ministerial office that could influence such transactions,” he revealed.
While distancing himself from the demolition exercise, Tayebwa expressed sympathy for vendors affected by the developments around the market.
“The recent events around the market are unfortunate for the affected vendors, and I sympathize with their plight. However, I have no connection to the demolition that occurred that night,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker’s clarification shows that he has no ownership or authority over the Nakivubo land and is not connected to the recent demolitions near St. Balikuddembe Market.
While distancing himself from the exercise, he expressed empathy for affected vendors, highlighting the need for transparent processes and accountability in urban land management.
