The High Court in Mukono has dismissed a long-running land ownership case filed against Mt. Lebanon Christian Centre Church.
The case, brought by individuals claiming to represent the Methodist Church of Uganda, sought to reclaim the land where Mt. Lebanon Church stands.
Justice Jacqueline Mwondha delivered the ruling, bringing relief to church leaders and worshippers who had been battling the case for years.
The dispute revolved around a contested lease agreement and subsequent ownership changes involving the land in question.
Court records show that the plaintiffs initially sued Lawrence Matovu, who had legally acquired the land after the termination of a lease between the United Methodist Church and the original landlord, Robert Senfuma.
The plaintiffs accused Matovu and Mt. Lebanon Church of fraudulently occupying the land.
The conflict escalated when, on December 31, 2021, Mt. Lebanon Christian Centre Church and Matovu filed a case challenging the Methodist Church’s attempts to evict them and demolish the church.
The property, located on Block 530 Kyaggwe, Plot 13 Kame Close in Mukono, was originally under a lease from Senfuma, who later sold it to Matovu.
For over a decade, the plaintiffs pushed for Mt. Lebanon Church’s removal, arguing that it had no rightful claim to the land.
However, the court found that Mt. Lebanon Christian Centre Church Ltd and Matovu were not parties in the earlier case, and their ownership claims were valid.
Justice Mwondha’s ruling dismissed a second lawsuit filed by the same plaintiffs against seven defendants, including Mt. Lebanon Church, Matovu, Difas Kabugo, Robert Senfuma, the Registrar of Titles, and two others.
The court also awarded costs to the defendants. Lawyers from Mugerwa and Partners Advocates and Musangala & Co. Advocates, who represented the defendants, welcomed the ruling.
They said the decision affirmed their clients’ land rights and ended years of uncertainty.
Reacting to the verdict, Bishop Samuel Lwandasa of Mt. Lebanon Church credited their victory to divine intervention.
He expressed gratitude to the judiciary for delivering justice.
Pastor Joan Muwanguzi emphasised that the church had positively impacted many lives and that its eviction would have been devastating for believers.
Congregants, including Noah Kabuusu and Nesphori Mugabi, celebrated the ruling, saying it ended years of anxiety. They thanked God for what they saw as a triumph of faith and justice.
With the court battle now settled, Mt. Lebanon Church members say they can finally worship in peace.
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