KAMPALA, Uganda : The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Kawempe Division, Kagenyi Lukka, has come under scrutiny for allegedly violating court orders concerning the disputed Katanga land near Wandegeya.
In a letter dated March 23, 2026, addressed to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Kagenyi directed the institution to hand over the Katanga land to Nanziza Construction Company Uganda Limited. He argued that the company’s involvement would ensure effective use and management of the government property, ultimately improving its value.
However, local leaders in Katanga have warned the RCC against what they describe as blatant disregard for established court rulings on the matter.
In a March 27 letter copied to Makerere University and the Kawempe Division Internal Security Officer (DISO), the leaders cited a July 27, 2015 judgment by then-Justice Owiny-Dollo. The ruling determined that while Makerere University owns the land under FRV 59 Folio 21, the plaintiffs and their licensees are bona fide occupants of the entire Katanga Valley.
The leaders expressed shock at Kagenyi’s directive, describing it as contemptuous and beyond his legal authority.
“This is to inform you that you do not have any authority whatsoever to vary or overturn the said court order,” the letter reads in part. “We shall not allow you to continue breaking the law, disrespecting court orders, and disturbing the peaceful occupation of our residents.”
They further demanded that the RCC withdraw his letter to avoid possible contempt of court proceedings.
In his correspondence, Kagenyi stated that a Memorandum of Understanding exists between Makerere University and Nanziza Construction Uganda Limited to manage the land on behalf of the university. He also noted that Achleo Kalema was never officially appointed as caretaker of the land but is merely one of the individuals operating a car washing business there.
However, a search conducted at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) raises questions about the company’s legitimacy. Records indicate that Nanziza Construction Uganda Limited has no registered directors or company secretary. The company, incorporated in 2011 with a share capital of Shs1 million, lists Denis Jjuko and Henry Kamyuka as shareholders, each holding 500 shares, but has filed no annual returns.
The findings also contradict Kagenyi’s claims about a one Luwagga being a director of the company.
Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that the RCC is working with certain individuals and Makerere University officials to undermine Pastor Daniel Walugembe and deprive him of his kibanja interest in the Katanga land.
Local leaders claim Kagenyi is collaborating with a group of about 100 people who lost a 2019 court case challenging Walugembe’s claim. That case was presided over by Justice Alexandria Rugadya Nkonge.
They further accuse the RCC of abuse of office, including holding meetings without involving local leadership and working with individuals allegedly pursuing personal interests, such as Dr. Ntwatwa Lule, who is currently facing charges of criminal trespass and forgery related to the same land.
Dr. Ntwatwa is presently undergoing cross-examination in his defense before the Buganda Road Magistrates Court.
When contacted by phone, Kagenyi acknowledged awareness of the Justice Owiny-Dollo ruling and maintained that it remains in force. He clarified that his directive does not apply to the entire Katanga land but is limited to the Kigobero washing bay area, located opposite the KCCA City Mortuary at the Mulago Hospital roundabout.
He defended his actions, stating that they were based on documents provided by Makerere University, the landowner, and Luwagga, who allegedly claimed to have authority to develop the land under a signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Kagenyi, however, expressed surprise upon learning that Luwagga is not listed as a director of Nanziza Construction Company, according to URSB records.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Makerere University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda were unsuccessful, as his known phone contacts went unanswered. It is alleged that Kiranda signed some of the documents that informed Kagenyi’s decision.
