The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has dismissed claims linking him to the recent demolition of structures near St. Balikuddembe Market, saying he no longer owns the land where the incident occurred.
In a statement issued Thursday via his official X handle, Tayebwa said although he obtained a lease for a plot in the Nakivubo area in 2018 through a formal application process, he later surrendered the land to Kampala Capital City Authority after the authority indicated it required the property for public purposes.
According to Tayebwa, he had applied for the lease like any other citizen and paid all the required fees. However, when he submitted building plans for approval, KCCA informed him that the land was needed for strategic activities.
The authority later offered compensation, which he accepted, and subsequently took possession of the land about three years ago.
“As a result, I no longer own the said land and hold no interest whatsoever in it,” Tayebwa said in the statement, adding that he has no legal claim, control or involvement in the property today.
The Deputy Speaker said the developments around the market have been unfortunate for vendors affected by the demolition but insisted he has no connection to the incident.
He also rejected suggestions that the land was acquired because of his current position in government, explaining that the lease was granted in 2018, before he assumed office as Deputy Speaker.
