Tensions flared at Kampala City Hall as frustrated residents, demanding long-overdue compensation from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), clashed with police during a heated protest. The demonstrators, comprising displaced families and students whose education bursaries were abruptly halted, accused authorities of failing to honour financial commitments promised earlier this week.
The standoff turned physical when police blocked the group from accessing City Hall to meet KCCA officials. Protesters, some carrying placards addressed to President Museveni, attempted to force their way past the security barricade, leading to scuffles that resulted in five arrests. Officers from Central Police Station (CPS) intervened to restore order as the confrontation threatened to escalate.
Among the demonstrators was Lewis Lutaaya, a student whose bursary was unexpectedly withdrawn. "Since being removed from the scholarship program, my siblings and I have been stuck at home instead of being in school," Lutaaya lamented. Many protesters shared similar stories of broken promises, having been assured of payments by the end of this week.
KCCA spokesperson Niwabiine attempted to calm the situation, explaining that verification processes were delaying payments. "We are finalising documentation for some claimants whose details had discrepancies," he stated, promising that "the first batch of payments will commence early next week."
However, protesters remained sceptical, vowing to continue their demonstrations until compensated. The group had previously petitioned the President's office regarding their grievances, which include unpaid property compensation and education grants dating back several years.
