According to Kanyanya, the house was constructed by the British government in 1937 when Uganda was still under the British protectorate for cultural heritage, saying the sub-county lacks the mandate to evict him from the house, which doesn’t belong to them.
The Bulucheke
Sub County LC III Chairperson, Elisa Khawanga and Chief, Anthony Wakoli Kutosi
in Bududa district are wanted by police for storming and destroying property in
the palace of the self-styled Babukusu King, Joseph Washitwaya Kanyanya alias
"Wash".
It comes a
week after the sub-county authorities stormed Kanyanya’s offices, which
operates in the Sub-county building for alleged failure to pay rent and confiscated
his property. Now, the Bududa District Police Commander, Jafari Magyezi, says
they are investigating the circumstances under, which the sub-county
authorities entered the Babukusu palace without informing the concerned
authorities.
Kanyanya insists
that disputed property was given to him by the former Sub-county chairperson
when he was enthroned to lead the Babukusu Kingdom. He also dismissed claims
that the land hosting the house belongs to the sub-county.
According to
Kanyanya, the house was constructed by the British government in 1937 when
Uganda was still under the British protectorate for cultural heritage, saying
the sub-county lacks the mandate to evict him from the house, which doesn’t belong
to them.
However, Elinesti
Wayengela, the former Bulucheke Sub County LC III chairperson, who is claimed
to have handed Kanyanya the house says they agreed with him to pay Shillings
100,000 each month as rent to the sub-county. He says the old leadership has
nothing to do with Kanyanya if he has failed to meet his rental obligation, adding
that new leadership has the mandate to evict him.
Anthony Wakoli Kutosi and Elisa
Khawanga, say they are ready to record statements at police and answer any
charges brought against them. Wilson Watira,
the Bududa District LC V Chairperson who was also summoned over the same
matter, says the district has no agreement with Kanyanya for the said land and
house.
He said Kanyanya declared himself a King in 2012 amidst protests from
InzuYa Masaba and various political leaders and therefore not recognized as a
king as he claims.
Andrew Nakhaboya
Freelancer