By skynewsug.com
29/10/2026
Indian traders operating from a building in Kisekka Market, Kampala, have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to intervene in a land dispute with businessman Abdul Kasaayi, whom they accuse of attempting to evict them without a court order despite an ongoing court case over ownership of the property.
The traders, led by Sulaimani Murad Ali, claim they purchased the building in 1992 and have operated their businesses there for decades. They allege that their land title was fraudulently altered and replaced without their knowledge, accusing Kasaayi and some officials of facilitating efforts to take over the property. Kasaayi has denied wrongdoing, saying he is simply improving the premises.
Murad said the dispute began attracting their attention about five years ago when they learnt that someone was advertising the building for sale and asking prospective buyers whether anyone was contesting ownership.
He said the traders launched investigations and allegedly discovered that Kasaayi was behind attempts to take over the property. They further accused some officials at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and land-related offices of colluding with the businessman to secure what they described as fraudulent land titles. The allegations have not been independently verified.
According to Murad, the traders subsequently took the matter to court, where the case remains pending. However, he claims Kasaayi has moved to evict them before the dispute is resolved, allegedly relying on letters said to have been issued through the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
The traders have questioned the authenticity and legality of the documents, insisting that no court order authorising their eviction has been presented to them.
The dispute reportedly escalated on Wednesday when a group of men arrived at the premises and began cutting down trees and dismantling parts of the fence surrounding the building. The traders said the men had initially informed them that they intended to cut some of the trees but later proceeded with the activities, leaving metal sheets from the fence scattered on the ground.
The traders have appealed to President Museveni to intervene, urging him to investigate the alleged involvement of public officials and ensure that the dispute is handled in accordance with the law.
They also claim Kasaayi told them that President Museveni had given him the building in recognition of his support during previous election campaigns. This claim has not been independently verified.
The traders say the property is not only a source of income but also a place where some of them have established their homes and raised their families. They fear that losing the building would disrupt their businesses and livelihoods.
They argue that their long occupation of the premises and the investments they have made there should be taken into account as the dispute is resolved. However, the legal rights of the parties will depend on the ownership records, applicable land laws and the court’s determination of the case.
The contested property is located near the mechanics’ section of Kisekka Market in Kampala. It reportedly comprises a two-storey building, with shops on the ground floor rented out to traders operating in the busy commercial area.
The traders have urged the President, as part of his campaign against corruption, to direct the relevant authorities to investigate their allegations and establish the rightful ownership of the property.
Kasaayi has dismissed the accusations, saying he is carrying out improvements to make the premises look better. He maintains that his activities are intended to improve the property.
The ownership dispute and the legality of the reported eviction activities remain unresolved as the traders seek government intervention while the court case is still pending.
