Tayebwa Denies Involvement in Owino Market Demolition
A section of Owino Market demolished on the night of March 7, 2026 by yet to be identified people
By Skika reporter
Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has denied allegations linking him to the recent partial demolition at St. Balikuddembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market.
In a statement issued Thursday, Mr Tayebwa said he had seen social media posts suggesting that one of the plots affected by the March 7 demolition was registered under his name and that he had a hand in the exercise.
“I have seen various social media posts and received numerous inquiries seeking clarification on my alleged involvement in the recent partial demolition exercise around St. Balikuddembe Market,” Mr Tayebwa said.
He explained that although he once obtained a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018 through legal procedures available to any citizen, he later relinquished it after authorities declined to approve his development plans.
According to Mr Tayebwa, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) informed him that the land was required for strategic public purposes when he submitted building plans for approval.
“KCCA then offered to compensate me, and I accepted their proposal. KCCA went ahead and took possession of the land approximately three years ago,” he said.
“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 added.
The demolition occurred during an overnight operation on March 7 when unidentified individuals tore down a structure in Owino Market, one of Kampala’s busiest trading hubs. The incident shocked vendors and residents, many of whom questioned how such an operation could take place in the city centre without prior notice.
Mr Tayebwa said the destruction was unfortunate and expressed sympathy for the affected traders but insisted he had no role in the incident.
“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.
He also dismissed claims that he had acquired the land using influence from his current position in Parliament.
“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 office that could influence such transactions,” he said.
