By Peter Luzinda
WAKISO
A tense standoff unfolded in Seguku after residents from an estimated 500 households accused a local church of blocking a long-used community access road, triggering confrontation and temporary disruption of movement in the area.
The disputed pathway, which links residential zones to the main Kampala–Entebbe highway, schools, and nearby trading centres, is described by residents as a vital daily route. They argue that its sudden closure has forced longer travel distances and raised concerns about emergency access, especially for school children and patients.
The situation escalated today, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, when residents gathered near the barricaded section demanding immediate reopening of the road, insisting it has served the public for many years regardless of ownership claims.
“We are not asking for ownership, only access. This road has served us for years,” said Peter Ssemanda, a resident and community mobilizer in Seguku.
Church representatives, led by Pastor Samuel Byaruhanga, defended the closure, stating that the affected section lies within church property and is part of an approved development plan on their land.
“This is private property, and we are carrying out lawful development. However, we acknowledge the concerns raised and are open to structured dialogue,” Pastor Byaruhanga said.
Local authorities, including LC1 Chairperson, Sarah Nakanwagi, intervened swiftly to prevent escalation and urged both parties to maintain calm while investigations into the road’s legal status are conducted. She emphasized the need for an amicable solution that considers both development rights and community access.
Police officers from Seguku Police Post, led by ASP Fred Kasozi, were deployed to maintain order as negotiations continued between the two sides.
The incident reflects a growing trend of land-use disputes in fast-developing suburbs like Seguku, where private development projects increasingly intersect with long-standing community access routes.
