The Mbale City Council has advised all individuals affected by the demolition of a building on plots 33 and 35 on Pallisa Road to seek legal redress through the courts.
Early Friday morning, a group of unidentified individuals, reportedly guarded by police, demolished the building.
The tenants, who operated retail businesses and resided in the building, were taken by surprise as the demolition began at 4:00 AM, leaving them no time to retrieve their belongings.
As a result, tenants lost property of undetermined value, leaving families and traders stranded.
The eviction was executed without prior warning, causing panic and disarray among residents.
During a press briefing at the city council chambers on Monday afternoon, James Kutosi, the city’s Public Relations Officer, expressed regret over the loss of properties during the demolition.
He noted, however, that the demolition was lawful, citing a court order.
Kutosi explained that the city authorities had written to the police requesting enforcement of the court order, which led to the demolition.
Kutosi stated that the building was demolished because it had become a nuisance within the town.
He mentioned that this building is not the only one slated for demolition, as the council is still in court seeking demolition orders for other condemned buildings.
However, he did not specify which other buildings are due for demolition, despite journalists’ inquiries.
He advised anyone who believes that the law was not followed during the demolition to seek redress in court.
The eviction of the tenants stemmed from a demolition order issued by Mbale High Court Assistant Registrar Nankya Nusulah on May 3, 2024, against the property of businessman Hashim Hassan under Civil Suit 23 of 2024.
In the suit filed by Mbale City Council, the council requested orders to demolish the dilapidated, inhabitable structure belonging to Hassan Hashim on plots 33/35 along Pallisa Road.
The city argued that the property was causing a nuisance to its occupants and surrounding areas and was beyond renovation, with poor sanitary facilities making it dangerous and unfit for human habitation.
The court ruled in favor of Mbale City Council on April 15.
However, the judgment has been contested by a family alleging violations of legal principles and obstruction of justice.
Edward Katunku and his nine siblings accuse Hassan Hashim of fraudulently acquiring a title deed to their property. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on June 6, 2024.
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