500 households clash with balokole church over blocked road in Seguku

Tension remains high in Seguku after residents from an estimated 500 households accused a local church of blocking a long-used community access road, sparking a confrontation that briefly disrupted movement in the area.

The disputed road, which connects several residential clusters to the main highway, schools, and nearby trading centres, is widely used by daily commuters. Residents say its sudden closure has caused serious inconvenience, especially for school children and emergency access.

The situation escalated when residents gathered near the blocked section, demanding immediate reopening of the route.

“We have used this road for many years. Closing it without involving the community is unfair and has disrupted our daily lives,” said John Ssemanda, the chairperson of the Seguku Residents Association.

On the other side, Pastor Daniel Kato, the head of the church administration, maintained that the blocked section falls within church-owned land and that the closure is part of planned development works on the property.

“This land is legally ours, and the development is within our rights. However, we are open to dialogue on access concerns,” Pastor Kato said.

Local leaders, including LC1 Chairperson Grace Nanfuka, moved in to calm the situation and called for restraint from both sides while investigations are conducted into the legal status of the road. She urged residents to remain peaceful as discussions continue.

Police spokesperson ASP Patrick Onyango (Wakiso Division) confirmed that officers were deployed to the area to prevent escalation and maintain order during negotiations.

The dispute highlights growing land-use conflicts in rapidly expanding suburbs like Seguku, where private developments increasingly intersect with long-established community pathways.