Tensions are escalating in Kajjansi Town Council following a land dispute between Seguku Prayer Mountain Church and residents of Seguku Village over a contested access road.
The conflict arose after the church began constructing a perimeter wall around its property, a move residents say has blocked a road they have used for more than a decade to access their homes. The road closure triggered protests led by the village LC Chairman, Musa Muyingo, with residents storming the site and partially demolishing sections of the wall.
The church, which was historically situated on approximately 115 acres of land but now reportedly occupies about 56 acres, claims the reduction is due to gradual encroachment by settlers over time. Church leaders insist the wall is being erected strictly within their legally owned property and does not interfere with any officially designated public road.
Speaking on behalf of the church, Rev. Dr. Ssemambo Patrick condemned the destruction of the wall, describing it as vandalism and an attack on the institution. He also accused Chairman Muyingo of inciting residents to engage in the acts.
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According to Rev. Ssemambo, the decision to construct the wall was informed by security concerns, citing the large number of worshippers who gather at the site. He noted that the church has recently experienced repeated incidents of vandalism, including a confrontation in which police were forced to fire warning shots to disperse a crowd.
"We were guided by security directives to enhance safety, and building a wall is part of that process," he said, adding that the church is willing to provide an alternative access route. "We will acquire land for a new pathway. Residents need to be patient as we work on a solution."
However, Chairman Muyingo has rejected these assurances, maintaining that the church deliberately blocked a long-standing community access route without consultation. He argues that the road has been in use for over ten years and is essential to residents' daily lives.
The situation remains tense, with fears of further confrontations between the two sides. Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring developments and have launched investigations into the matter.
The dispute underscores growing challenges surrounding land ownership, urban expansion, and community access in rapidly developing areas of Wakiso District. While residents insist on their right to the road, the church maintains its right to secure its property, leaving the standoff unresolved.
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