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.
In a statement on his X handle (@Thomas-Tayebwa), he said he acquired a 2018 lease for a Nakivubo plot but KCCA later told him it was needed for strategic city activities, after he had submitted building plans. He said KCCA offered compensation, which he accepted, and they’ve had possession of the land for about three years.
Accoriding to Tayebwa, he has no legal claim to the plot and isn’t connected to the demolition.
“In 2018, I obtained a lease for a plot in Nakivubo through standard legal processes, following procedures and paying required fees like any citizen. I no longer own the land and have no interest, claim, control, or involvement in it. I can’t evict anyone or participate in demolition on land I don’t own. I sympathize with vendors affected by the market demolition but have no connection to it.” Tayebwa said.=
He added that he got the lease in 2018, before becoming Deputy Speaker and when he held no influential office, countering claims he used his position to acquire the land. “For those suggesting that I acquired this land due to my current position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament: Please note that I obtained the lease in 2018 long before I assumed this role and at a time when I held no ministerial or an office that could influence such transactions.” Tayebwa stated.
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. 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.
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.