Police in Mbale City are under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating an illegal eviction and demolition of a building on Pallisa Road.

Early Friday morning, a group of unidentified individuals, reportedly guarded by police, demolished a building on Plot 33 and 35 Pallisa Road. Tenants, who operated retail businesses and resided in the building, said they were taken by surprise as the demolition began at 4:00 AM, leaving them no time to retrieve their belongings.

Witnesses claim the police used teargas to disperse the occupants. The building’s destruction is believed to be linked to a longstanding ownership dispute involving businessman Hashim Hassan, a Somali national.

Some building owners, preferring anonymity, allege that Hassan fraudulently obtained the land title from his late father. The matter has been in court since 2022, yet the sudden demolition occurred without apparent legal clearance.

Elgon Region Police Spokesperson Rogers Taitika denied knowledge of the eviction and demolition. However, victims insist the demolition was conducted under police protection. Mbale City Public Relations Officer James Kutosi confirmed the demolition did not adhere to standard procedures and promised an official statement later.

Mbale City’s Northern Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Were Yahaya, also stated the district’s security committee was unaware of any eviction order.

He advised the affected individuals to seek legal redress against those responsible for the demolition.