Businessman Sues KCCA Over Demolished Kiosks in Kampala’s New Taxi Park

Summary:

• A city businessman is suing the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for demolishing his 13 kiosks in the New Taxi Park. He claims KCCA initially approved the kiosks but later demolished them illegally. KCCA argues the structures were in a road reserve and utility zone. The case is pending in the Commercial Court.

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A city businessman has filed a lawsuit against the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), alleging the demolition of 13 of his kiosks situated in the New Taxi Park. Mr. Farouk Mujumba contends that in January 2022, KCCA abruptly demolished his 13 fiberglass kiosks, despite initially granting permission for their construction.

According to excerpts from court documents, Mr. Mujumba’s claim against KCCA asserts that the demolition was carried out unlawfully and with excessive force. The documents reveal that Mr. Mujumba applied to KCCA on November 6, 2013, to establish modern kiosks at the New Taxi Park, aiming to conduct business in accordance with contemporary building standards.

After making the necessary payments as stipulated by KCCA, Mr. Mujumba asserts that he received approval to construct 13 labeled kiosks. However, in 2022, KCCA, with unauthorized agents and police, allegedly demolished the kiosks, causing substantial financial losses to Mr. Mujumba and his tenants.

Mr. Mujumba, represented by Astute Advocates, seeks compensation exceeding Shs200 million for investment losses, expenses incurred, and rental earnings forgone due to the demolition.

In its defense, KCCA argues that the land where the kiosks stood falls within a gazetted road reserve and a buffer area for Nakivubo Channel. Furthermore, KCCA cites the presence of utility lines and infrastructure, including a manhole and power lines, necessitating the removal of the structures.

KCCA contends that negotiations with Mr. Mujumba regarding the placement of kiosks on the land were unsuccessful, and his permission to maintain them was not renewed after 2021. Consequently, in January 2022, KCCA carried out a demolition exercise to clear illegal structures within the road reserve.

The matter awaits a hearing in the Commercial Court for resolution.