By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
The imminent closure of Mbale City Court and Enforcement Offices on Kumi Road has stirred a storm with the Northern City Division Speaker opposing the move.
Speaker to this reporter on Sunday, 19th January, 2025, Robert Kisesi, says the directive, issued by City Town Clerk Ambrose Ocen, on 16th January, 2025 ordering for the immediate closure and evacuation of the offices by January 20, 2025 is unfair.
Kisesi argues that the City Council and divisions lack proper security provisions, including cells for detaining suspects and secure facilities for storing confiscated properties.
Kisesi also accuses the Mbale City Council leaders of plotting to grab the land where the Enforcement Offices are located. He fears that this could lead to land grabbing, with a private developer potentially constructing on the vacated land.
“This is how land grabbing in Mbale City starts,” he said. “In a few days, we might see a private developer claiming this land.”Kisasi said.
However, James Kustosi, the public relations officer of Mbale city, claims that he has not been informed about the directive. Instead, he says that the Grade 1 Magistrate of Mbale city court, Anna Tendo, requested the removal of exhibits flooded at the court premises.
The city plans to remove these exhibits, including old trucks and motorcycles, and auction them publicly.
