KAMPALA, Uganda — Residents of Bugolobi have taken International Criminal Court (ICC) judge Justice Julia Sebutinde to the High Court, seeking orders to halt the construction of a five-storey building they say violates planning laws and their constitutional right to privacy.
The petition, filed in Kampala’s High Court, has been brought by four residents of Plot 8, Princess Anne Drive, including Judiciary Secretary Pius Bigirimana. They have sued Justice Sebutinde, her husband John Bagunywa Sebutinde, and site supervisor Joseph Wamala.
At the centre of the dispute is a multi-storey commercial apartment project rising in what residents insist is a gazetted low-density residential neighbourhood in Nakawa Division. The plaintiffs argue that the development is illegal and fundamentally inconsistent with the planning framework governing Bugolobi Bungalows.
In their court filings, the residents accuse the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) of unlawfully approving a commercial high-rise in an area designated strictly for residential use, in violation of the Building Control Act and established zoning regulations.
According to affidavits on record, the developers approached the Local Council I leadership of Bungalows I village in 2022 seeking a letter of no objection to construct the building.
The Local Council reportedly declined, advising that only renovation of the existing house could be considered, given the zoning restrictions.
Despite the refusal, the plaintiffs say KCCA later issued a building permit without the mandatory endorsement of the local council, effectively authorising what they describe as an unlawful change of land use.
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They further contend that the development has transformed a once quiet residential enclave into a commercial zone, bringing with it excessive noise, dust, vibrations, disruption of water and sewerage lines, and a sharp decline in neighbouring property values.
In his affidavit, Mr Bigirimana states that his home directly faces the construction site and that the towering structure now overlooks his bedroom, bathroom, living spaces and compound, severely eroding his family’s privacy.
He adds that the ongoing construction has subjected his household to sleepless nights, constant disturbance and psychological distress.
The matter is now before the High Court, with Deputy Registrar Simon Kintu Zirintusa, of the Civil Division, expected to issue a ruling next Tuesday.
