UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Around 7,000 business owners impacted by the 2014 evictions ordered by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have taken legal action to seek compensation for the damages they incurred. These evictions specifically affected businesses located along a railway corridor stretching from Kampala to Nateete and Nalukolongo, on the grounds of illegal occupancy.
In 2014, KCCA, in conjunction with police forces, removed numerous informal structures, such as kiosks and shops, from the railway line. One of the individuals affected was Mr. Noah Onyango, who owned a business in Nalukolongo that included a video hall, shops, and rental properties. Onyango reported that KCCA deployed bulldozers to demolish these establishments.
According to Mr. Onyango and other affected business owners, they had received permission from the Uganda Railways Corporation to conduct their operations in that location. Following the evictions, they attempted to seek compensation from KCCA but reportedly did not get a reply.
The business owners, represented by Wakabala & Co. Advocates, have filed a collective lawsuit demanding over Shs 40 billion in damages. A legal notice issued by the plaintiffs’ attorneys explains:
“Onyango Noah, along with two others, has gained permission to act on behalf of the additional 6,997 claimants in a lawsuit against the Kampala Capital City Authority, seeking compensation for the destruction of property, general damages, and damages arising from the unjust eviction.”
The notice also clarifies that the plaintiffs operated their businesses along the railway line connecting Kampala, Nateete, and Nalukolongo.
The Land Division of the High Court has scheduled a hearing for January 22 of the following year to decide which three claimants will represent the entire group in court.
When approached for a comment, KCCA spokesperson Daniel Muhumuza Nuweabine declined to provide any statements, citing the ongoing legal matters.
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