Your Excellency,
We, a broad coalition of concerned citizens, victims of institutional abuse, and defenders of the rule of law, write to you today with profound respect for your office and your historic struggle for a just Uganda, but also with deep anguish and righteous anger.
For too long, we have watched in silence as certain officers at the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) have allegedly abused their positions, interfered with matters already determined by competent courts of law, and operated as untouchable “small gods” hiding behind the prestige of your office.
This must end. Enough is enough.
A Disturbing Pattern of Abuse of Power and Contempt of Court
Credible reports from multiple affected citizens across Kira Municipality and Wakiso District reveal what appears to be a systematic pattern: officers of SHACU have repeatedly interfered in land disputes and other matters that have been conclusively adjudicated by the High Court and other competent courts.
These officers are alleged to have issued directives or provided protection that directly contradict valid court orders, including Temporary Injunctions, Consent Judgments, and rulings on locus standi.
This constitutes, in our view, contempt of court and a dangerous subversion of the judicial process.
This alleged interference has placed the Uganda Police Force—the constitutionally mandated enforcer of court orders—in an untenable position, often caught between lawful judicial directives and conflicting instructions or protection extended to violators by SHACU elements.
The result is paralysis, impunity for land grabbers, and suffering for law-abiding citizens.
Illustrative Cases of Interference
1. The Case of Mr. Obatre Alex Lumumba
(Kito, Namugongo – Kira Municipality)
Mr. Obatre Alex Lumumba, a Clerk to the Parliament of the East African Legislative Assembly, obtained a High Court Temporary Injunction (Misc. Appeal No. 059 of 2025) restraining trespass and construction on his lawfully acquired land (Kyadondo Block 185, Plots 11407 and 11408).
Multiple directives from the Inspector General of Police, the Land Protection Police Unit (LPPU), and Kampala Metropolitan Police commanders reportedly ordered peaceful enforcement of the court order.
Yet reports indicate that officers linked to SHACU allegedly provided security and cover to known habitual land grabbers, including Kayondo Juma and Nyemera Beatrice Winnie, who have reportedly been charged by the Director of Public Prosecutions with forcible entry and conspiracy to defraud.
These actions allegedly enabled continued construction activities in defiance of both court orders and police directives.
2. The Case of Sanyu Edisa
(Kitukutwe, Kira Division)
Sanyu Edisa, an elderly woman and the sole biological child and rightful beneficiary of the late Nassani Ssentamu, had her ownership affirmed through a Consent Judgment and Decree in High Court Civil Suit No. 613 of 2018 on April 2, 2026.
The court ordered that all subdivided titles be transferred to her.
A letter from the Deputy RDC of Kira Municipality dated September 11, 2025, reportedly protected her possession and prohibited eviction without a valid court order.
In addition, Hon. Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, in MA No. 2997 of 2024, struck out parallel claims for lack of locus standi. A subsequent review application was also dismissed.
Despite these legal victories, reports indicate that elements associated with SHACU and their collaborators allegedly interfered with the matter and sought to coerce outcomes contrary to existing court decisions.
These cases, we submit, are not isolated incidents but part of what appears to be a broader pattern of interference in court-determined land matters within the Kampala Metropolitan area.
The Fundamental Question We Must Ask
Your Excellency, we ask with utmost respect but with unflinching clarity:
What is the legitimate constitutional, legal, or policy role of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in matters that have already been adjudicated and determined by competent courts of law?
If that role is not to respect, support, and facilitate the enforcement of those decisions, then the actions of these officers risk being perceived as corruption, abuse of office, and interference with the rule of law.
By undermining court decisions, such actions create the impression that judicial officers are incapable of delivering justice.
This is an intolerable assault on the doctrine of separation of powers and the rule of law.
Appeal to the Judiciary
We respectfully call upon the Hon. Chief Justice of Uganda to issue clear public guidance regarding the proper channels for legal redress and to publicly condemn any executive or administrative interference in matters conclusively determined by the courts.
The judiciary must continue to assert its independence and protect citizens who have lawfully obtained justice from being re-victimized by parallel power structures.
Public Frustration and Growing Concern
The Ugandan public is exhausted.
Citizens report being subjected to intimidation, coercion, alleged abductions, forced settlements, fabricated criminal accusations, and pressure to surrender portions of their property in exchange for protection or the withdrawal of cases.
We firmly state:
Enough is enough.
We call upon all Ugandans who have experienced similar challenges to speak out publicly and lawfully.
Silence protects perpetrators and leaves future victims vulnerable.
Frustration has reached a point where many citizens are considering exercising their constitutional rights through peaceful marches, petitions to Parliament, and appeals to State House demanding urgent action.
We present this sentiment not as a threat, but as a warning that public confidence in institutions is steadily eroding.
Our Concerns Regarding SHACU
It is with great sorrow that we state our belief that certain elements within SHACU have transformed what should be a noble institution into a mechanism through which vulnerable citizens are allegedly exploited.
If these allegations are true, they damage not only the reputation of SHACU but also the image of Uganda as a nation governed by justice, stability, and the rule of law.
Our Urgent Requests to Your Excellency
- Take immediate and decisive action against any SHACU officers found to have interfered with court orders, engaged in coercion, extortion, or abuse of office.
- Order a comprehensive and transparent review of the operations and personnel of SHACU, with a view to restoring public confidence in the institution.
- Issue a clear presidential directive reaffirming that court orders must be respected and enforced without exception by all government agencies and officials.
- Support efforts to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the integrity of court decisions.
Our Hope Remains in the Rule of Law
Your Excellency, our hopes as citizens remain firmly anchored in the rule of law—the cornerstone of the Uganda you sacrificed so much to build and preserve.
The actions of rogue actors, wherever they may be found, threaten lives, livelihoods, institutions, and public trust.
They undermine your anti-corruption legacy and the principles of justice, accountability, and protection of the vulnerable.
We appeal to your wisdom, your revolutionary commitment, and your love for the people of Uganda.
Act now.
Restore confidence in public institutions.
Reaffirm the supremacy of court orders.
Demonstrate that no one is above the law.
We remain hopeful that you will hear the cries of your people and act decisively.
Justice delayed or subverted is justice denied.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizens of Uganda
(Victims and Defenders of the Rule of Law United Against Impunity)
