The Kampala Metropolitan Police have dismissed the allegations regarding the forceful evictions at Kireka Police Barracks in Nakawa division, Kampala district circulating in media.

The Deputy Public Relations Officer, Kampala Metropolitan Police, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, in a statement released on November 17, 2023, said that, the Police Force is conducting a comprehensive audit of barracks land.

“The Kampala Metropolitan Police aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding the ongoing restructuring of Kireka Police Barracks,” Owoyesigyire said.

“Investigations reveal that non-eligible persons, including civilians and security guards, unlawfully occupied barracks land and are enjoying utilities without authorization, leading to inflated bills,” Owoyesigire added.

Owoyesigire noted that makeshifts and permanent structures, such as bars, clinics, and market stalls, were erected in the barracks without proper authorization.

“In response, the Police management is removing all these illegal businesses and individuals, some of whom deserted the force and are still using the premises, an exercise that aims to open and preserve the integrity of police land within the Kampala Metropolitan area and nationwide,” he noted.

Owoyesigire said that, the exercise will enable police’s immediate neighbours to define their land boundaries more clearly.

He added that, certain leaders have unfortunately politicized the restructuring, encouraging illegal activities such as road blockades by setting fires which is a clear violation of the law.

According to Owoyesigire, ten people were arrested for engaging in the road blockages on November 17, 2023, none of whom were residents of the barracks or neighboring areas.

He reassured the public that only individuals within police land boundaries will be subject to removal.

The Police urges residents to remain calm and cooperative throughout this necessary restructuring.

However, according to eye witnesses, the police was using teargas and live bullets on Thursday, November 16, 2023, and Friday, November 17, 2023, in the ongoing eviction exercise.

“Police is using teargas and live bullets. One of the bullets hit the roof of my house and created a hole. However, I’m outside the police land. It’s also true that police demarcated the land and has been warning and holding meetings with the people occupying the land illegally,” One of the eyewitnesses who revealed on condition of anonymity said.

Reports received by the UN Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) on Friday morning, November 17, 2023, also indicate that, Police was using teargas and firing live bullets in the ongoing eviction exercise at Kireka Police Barracks. The UN therefore, advised its staff to avoid areas of Kasokoso, Kiganda and Kinawataka road.

In 2016, Police issued a notification to the illegal residents to vacate the land and meetings in regards to the same matter were held in October 2023.