Top Police Commanders Under Fire as Court Contempt Case Emerges Over Kampala Land Dispute

Two senior Uganda Police Force officers are facing possible arrest and legal sanctions after a company accused them of disregarding court orders in a long-running land dispute in Kampala.

The officers, Commissioner of Police James Kusemererwa, who heads the Land Protection Unit, and Superintendent of Police Sam Suubi, the Division Police Commander of Kira Road Police Station, have been named in an application filed before the High Court’s Land Division seeking contempt proceedings against them.

According to court documents, the applicants allege that the officers participated in actions that violated an existing court injunction protecting a disputed parcel of land. The application further seeks penalties, including substantial fines and possible civil imprisonment, should the court find the officers guilty of contempt.

The dispute centers on land situated on Kyadondo Block 216 in Kampala, where ownership and occupation rights have been contested for several years. The applicant, MKS Limited, maintains that it is the lawful occupant of the property and claims the court had previously issued orders preserving the status quo pending the determination of the case.

Lawyers representing the company argue that despite being aware of the court directives, the respondents allegedly facilitated attempts to interfere with the property and remove occupants from the land. The company contends that such actions amounted to a deliberate disregard of judicial authority.

The case also names several private individuals who are accused alongside the police officers of participating in the alleged violation of the court orders.

Legal experts note that contempt of court proceedings are designed to protect the authority of the judiciary and ensure compliance with lawful directives issued by courts. If found liable, individuals cited for contempt may face fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions determined by the court.

The matter is expected to draw significant public interest given the involvement of senior police officials and the broader concerns surrounding enforcement of court decisions in land-related disputes.

The High Court is expected to consider the application and determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed with contempt proceedings against the accused parties.

Source DAILY MONITOR