DRCC Lukka reverses Katanga land decision after attorney General’s Advice

Kampala: The Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Kawempe Division, Kagenyi Lukka, has withdrawn his earlier directives regarding the disputed Katanga land near Wandegeya following legal advice from the Attorney General.

Lukka announced the reversal on Saturday during a meeting at Katanga Playground attended by local leaders from Busia and Kimwanyi zones, as well as area residents.

“Two weeks ago, I met you here and issued several directives, including ordering the arrest of Pastor Daniel Walugembe. However, the Attorney General, who is the chief government legal advisor, informed me that my actions were in contempt of court, citing a judgment by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo regarding this land,” Lukka said.

He explained that as a government official, he is obliged to respect the Attorney General’s guidance, noting that the same office would be responsible for defending him in court. He added that withdrawing the orders would also help avoid unnecessary legal costs to the government.

Lukka further told residents that his investigations found that Nanziza Construction Company Uganda Limited, which had reportedly entered into a memorandum of understanding with Makerere University the landlord of the Katanga land is not a credible entity. He assured tenants that no evictions would take place.

He urged residents to remain on their respective plots and avoid making provocative statements, adding that he had submitted proposals to President Yoweri Museveni on possible solutions to the dispute.

Among the proposals is for the government to compensate tenants based on the size of land they occupy, after which the land would revert to Makerere University or be used for other public purposes.

Another proposal suggests a public-private partnership in which the government partners with a developer to transform Katanga into a modern settlement. Under this arrangement, bona fide tenants would receive condominium titles for agreed portions of land, while the developer recovers costs through the sale of remaining units.

Lukka also proposed that the government could directly finance redevelopment using taxpayers’ money by constructing modern housing for tenants after compensating the landlord. He emphasized that such a plan would require long-term implementation.

Local leader Thomas Bagonza commended Lukka for acknowledging his mistake and clarifying the matter, noting that some individuals had attempted to exploit the earlier directives.

“I have served as a leader in this area for years and witnessed people voluntarily selling their bibanja to Pastor Walugembe, who now owns about 28 acres. However, Makerere University’s land title covers 37 acres, so it is misleading to claim that he owns the entire Katanga land,” Bagonza said.

The meeting resolved that another engagement be organized to allow residents to interact directly with Pastor Walugembe and clarify land boundaries, as he reportedly holds documentation for the bibanja he has acquired.

The controversy stems from a March 23, 2026 letter in which Lukka directed Makerere University to hand over the land to Nanziza Construction Company. Local leaders challenged the directive, arguing that it amounted to contempt of court and an attempt to overturn a lawful judgment.

“This is to inform you that you do not have any authority whatsoever to vary or overturn the said court order, and we shall not allow you to continue breaking the law, disrespecting court orders, and disturbing the peaceful occupation of our residents,” reads part of the letter from local leaders.

According to records from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Nanziza Construction Company has a share capital of Shs1 million and two shareholders Denis Jjuko and Henry Kamyuka each holding 500 shares. The company has not filed annual returns since its incorporation in 2011.

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