KAMPALA – The State House Anti-Corruption Unit on Monday arrested Mr Ivan Katongole, the KCCA acting director for Physical Planning, in connection with the demolition of St Peter’s church in Ndeeba near Kampala.
Mr Katongole issued a permit on July 30, 2020 that led to the demolition. High Court judge Mr Eudes Keitirima had last year ruled that the Church of Uganda trustees fraudulently acquired the land where the demolished church sits.
Lt Col Edith Nakalema who heads the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, said the President has directed for the prosecution of all those involved in the criminal case.
“The demolition was carried out on the night of August 8 with full knowledge of the DPC Katwe, OC station and all officers under them, contrary to the established procedures and guidelines of the Judiciary, Ministry of Lands and police,” she said.
She added: “We are directed to use full force of the law to cause justice to the believers and the Anglican community.”
Lt Col Nakalema said the suspects will be arraigned in court soon.
“We promise the church that all shall be done to bring the culprits to order,” she added. She revealed that the permanent secretary in the Lands ministry is working on details of the disputed land as investigations continue.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said they were disturbed by the unfortunate conduct of the police officers.
“We intervened in the wrangle between the businessman and the church and an order was issued stopping any action. We are surprised by (Moses) Kirunda and his boss, Dodovic doing the demolition. We are wondering where the policemen deployed to guard the church were,” Mr Enanga said.
