By Kabuye Ronald
Resident of Katanga slum in Wandegeya parish have petitioned the High Court Civil Division over Makerere University’s frequent threats eviction to evict them.
Through their lawyers of Mwesigwa Rukutana & Company Advocates, 50000 residents claim that Makerere University violated the orders issued by court on the controversial land.
” A temporary mandatory injunction doth issue restoring the status quo ante on land comprising Freehold Register Vol, 59 Folio 21 Kyadondo land at Katanga valley, as was preserved by a temporary injunction issued by this honourable court on 07th March 2022″ an application reads in part.
In an affidavits sworn by pastor Daniel Walugembe, Twaha Jengo, David Wabwire, they claim that the respondents including Makerere university, prof Barnabas Nuwangwe the vice chancellor of Makerere university, Yusuf Kiranda the Makerere university Acting secretary and Ivan Tenywa the university security officer with the knowledge of the said court order, they with malice and impunity demolished their perimeter wall, wire mesh fences, garage and other structures on the said land with the intention of evicting them.
The applicants now want court to take serious actions against the respondents because their intention is to evict them and be in the possession of the contested land without waiting for the determination of the main appeal in the Court of Appeal.
Makerere University appealed the High Court judgement issued against the respondents by Justice Owiny Dollo currently the chief justice declaring that Katanga residents are legally occupying their bibanja on Makerere land.
Justice Dollo advised that the only way Makerere University can remove the tenants on their land is through negotiations and be compensated.
Kampala lord mayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago and internal affairs minister (Rtd) Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire issued different statements warning Makerere University, security agencies and other government organs against interfering with eviction of the Katanga residents until the determination of the Appeal.
Makerere University and other respondents are yet to file their defense.
