State Minister Balaam Orders Immediate Reopening of Disputed Rushebeya Market Land in Rukiga

State Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara has ordered the immediate reopening of a disputed section of government land housing Rushebeya Market in Rukiga District. The public market, located at Rushebeya Trading Centre in Rwamucucu Sub-county, operates twice a month and serves traders from across the region.

The land had been fenced off in April 2026, restricting public access. Locals alleged that the closure was orchestrated by former Rukiga District Woman MP Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi and her husband, Andrew Muhwezi, who reportedly warned residents against using the area and threatened them with firearms.

During his nationwide anti-corruption tour, Minister Barugahara made the disputed site his first stop in the district. Local landlords informed the minister that some tenants had refused to pay rent under instructions allegedly linked to the former MP and her husband. Barugahara swiftly ordered the arrest of a tenant, Barbra Tukamuhabwa, who allegedly withheld Shs2 million in rent and colluded to frustrate landlords. She was handed over to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and taken to Rukiga Police Station.

Rukiga Resident District Commissioner Zadock Kamusiime noted that while the government intends to compensate affected parties, the land must remain under state control for public use. Barugahara echoed this stance, instructing traders and residents to resume using the market space while the Chief Government Valuer processes appropriate compensation for the claimants.

“If the couple disagrees with the presidential directive, they should seek legal redress against President Yoweri Museveni instead of blocking public use,” Barugahara stated. Neither Caroline Kamusiime nor her husband was present to respond to the allegations during the minister’s visit.

The historical dispute over the Rushebeya Market property dates back years, involving prior court cases, attachment orders, and earlier attempts to fence off the territory. With the minister’s intervention, public access has officially been restored.

Read more details on the Nile Post.