The High Court in Kampala has ruled the 2020 demolition of St. Peter’s Church of Uganda in Ndeeba illegal and blocked a proposed 3.8 billion Ugandan Shilling compensation payment to businessman Dodoviko Mwanje, who claimed ownership of the disputed land. In a unanimous decision, a panel of three justices—Irene Mulyagonja, Oscar Kihika, and Moses Kazibwe Kawumi—declared the eviction and demolition unlawful.
The demolition of St. Peter’s Church in August 2020 shocked the nation, as the historic structure, which had stood for over 50 years, was razed under orders from Mwanje. The businessman claimed ownership of the land, located at Kibuga Block 7, Plot 39 in Mengo, citing a 2019 High Court ruling by Justice John Eudes Keitirima. That ruling declared the land part of the estate of the late Buganda Kingdom princess Evelyn Nacwa, which was later sold to Mwanje’s company, Ephraim Enterprises.
However, Lucy Nsubuga contested the 2019 decision, alleging it was based on fraudulent information provided by lawyer Ambrose Tebyasa, who falsely claimed to represent her. Nsubuga maintained that the land rightfully belonged to the Church of Uganda, sparking a legal battle that has drawn public and judicial scrutiny.
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