Court Orders Arrest of Sebutinde, Supervisor in Bugolobi Apartment Dispute

Legal proceedings have intensified regarding a contentious apartment development in Bugolobi, Kampala. The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has now issued arrest warrants for John Bagunywa Sebutinde, husband of ICJ Judge Julia Sebutinde, and the project’s site supervisor, Joseph Wamala.

The warrants, dated June 17, 2026, stem from allegations that Sebutinde and Wamala failed to adhere to a stop order placed on the construction of a multi-storey apartment building at Plot 8, Princess Anne Drive. They face charges of disobeying lawful orders under the Building Control Act.

This criminal action is part of a broader dispute initiated through a private prosecution. It is running parallel to a civil suit filed by local residents who are challenging the legality and approvals of the development. Residents argue that the project violates planning regulations, exceeds density limits, and will negatively impact neighbouring properties through issues like increased traffic and noise.

Previously, the High Court dismissed an attempt to halt the criminal prosecution, ruling that any defenses should be addressed during the trial. Simultaneously, the civil case has seen progress, with the High Court granting a temporary injunction on January 12, 2026, that halted construction. This injunction was renewed on June 16, 2026, and remains in effect until the main civil suit is finally determined.

The substantive civil case is set for hearing, where residents seek to overturn the project’s approvals and permanently stop the construction. The dual legal battles, one focusing on the alleged defiance of a stop order and the other on the project’s fundamental legality, highlight the ongoing complexities and legal confrontations surrounding the Bugolobi apartment project.

Source: Nile Post