news 31 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court ruling restricts RDC interference in evictions, drawing praise
A landmark Constitutional Court ruling has clarified that security agencies and RDCs can only provide security during evictions, not interfere with court orders. Stakeholders have welcomed the decision as a win for judicial independence. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/stakeholders-cheer-court-s-rdc-eviction-restrictions-5480388
Stakeholders in Uganda’s justice and land sectors are celebrating a recent Constitutional Court decision that significantly curtails the involvement of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and security agencies in the execution of court-ordered evictions.
The ruling, delivered by Justice John Mike Musisi, explicitly states that security forces are limited to maintaining law and order and providing security during evictions. Their role does not extend to reviewing, suspending, or vetoing lawful court orders.
This decision is seen as a crucial step in protecting judicial independence and streamlining the often contentious process of land evictions, which are prevalent across Uganda. For years, court bailiffs have faced challenges with RDCs and security officials demanding clearances or issuing contradictory directives, leading to delays and the frustration of justice.
“The RDCs and the police should strictly adhere to this order and offer the facilitation role as directed by the court,” stated Evas Nakunda, general secretary of the Association of Bailiffs. She urged for formal guidance to ensure nationwide implementation.
The Uganda Law Society has also lauded the judgment. “The court has put an end to this illegality which has for a long time strained judicial independence,” commented Vice President Anthony Asiimwe. He emphasized that executive officials can verify orders for authenticity but cannot impede their execution.
While the ruling is widely seen as a positive development for the rule of law, some, like property developer Festo Kasajja, argue for broader legal reforms to address underlying land dispute issues. He highlighted the need for increased public awareness of land laws and called for legislative measures against illegal evictions and prolonged litigation.
The court’s decision clarifies that the direction and supervision of eviction execution remain the exclusive domain of the courts, effectively ending the practice of executive interference in judicial processes. This landmark judgment was concurred with by Justices Flavian Zeija, Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, Ketrah Katunguka, and Florence Nakachwa.