KAMPALA, Uganda — The High Court in Kampala is weighing a legal battle between Judiciary Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana and International Criminal Court Judge Julia Sebutinde over a five-story apartment project in the Bugolobi neighborhood.
Bigirimana and three other residents of Bugolobi Bungalows sued the Kampala Capital City Authority, Sebutinde, her husband John Bagunywa Sebutinde, and site supervisor Joseph Wamala. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the development at Plot 8, Princess Anne Drive, which neighbors say is unlawful and intrusive.
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Residents allege in court filings that the KCCA approved a commercial structure in a residential zone, violating the Building Control Act. According to court records, the developers sought a letter of no objection from local leadership in 2022. The local council reportedly refused the request, advising only for the renovation of the existing house. Residents claim the KCCA issued a building permit despite that refusal.
The plaintiffs say the construction has caused excessive noise and dust while interfering with utility systems. In an affidavit, Bigirimana said the building overlooks his private living spaces.
The five-story structure directly overlooks my bedroom, bathroom, living areas and compound, Bigirimana stated, adding that the project has caused emotional distress.
The KCCA issued a stop order Nov. 20, 2025, but residents allege construction continued from the third to the fifth floor. Bigirimana is seeking a temporary injunction to halt work while the main suit is heard.
Frank Kanduho, Bigirimana’s lawyer, told the court the project was unlawful from the start. He recently withdrew the application against the KCCA, leaving the injunction to proceed against the private respondents.
Defense attorney Masembe, representing some of the respondents, argued the project was lawfully approved in April 2022. He noted that Princess Anne Drive already hosts several multi-story buildings and that Sebutinde obtained necessary environmental certificates.
In her defense, Sebutinde stated she has owned the property since 1998 and obtained all required permits. She denied claims of nuisance or privacy violations.
The court is expected to issue a ruling on the injunction Jan. 13.
