Kapaapi returnees left frustrated as court delays ruling on eviction protection application
The application is part of a substantive suit filed on behalf of 1,355 returnees who accuse state authorities and other respondents of human rights violations linked to the 2023 eviction and alleged threats of re-eviction.
By George Niyonzima
Efforts by Kapaapi returnees to secure an interim injunction against alleged threats of fresh eviction suffered a setback after the High Court in Hoima failed to deliver a ruling on the application as expected.
The application is part of a substantive suit filed on behalf of 1,355 returnees who accuse state authorities and other respondents of human rights violations linked to the 2023 eviction and alleged threats of re-eviction.
More than 200 affected residents gathered at the High Court in Hoima City hoping for a ruling that would temporarily protect them from further displacement.
Addressing the residents after the court session, their lawyer, Peter Arinaitwe, said the court registrar, Emmanuel Bamwite, informed them that the ruling would instead be delivered “on notice” after reportedly falling ill.
“It is unfortunate that you are returning home without a ruling because the registrar informed us that he was unwell and could not deliver the ruling today,” Arinaitwe told the residents.
“I know this is disturbing considering the transport costs incurred and the urgent need for interim protection, but there is nothing we can do for now,” he added.
Speaking to journalists later, Arinaitwe expressed concern over what he described as delays in handling a matter involving vulnerable communities allegedly facing renewed eviction threats despite having earlier been resettled on the land by government authorities.
“These people are lacking basic necessities and urgently need protection from the government,” he said.
According to Arinaitwe, the interim application was intended to preserve the status quo pending determination of the main suit, which includes allegations of violent eviction, destruction of property, rape, and looting during the 2023 operation.
Another human rights lawyer, Doreen Namara, also criticised the delayed ruling, noting that both lawyers and community members had travelled long distances expecting a court determination.
She urged the affected residents to remain calm and continue seeking justice through lawful means.
Some of the returnees, including Faith Kamahe and Caleb Alfred, said the cost of transport to attend court proceedings continues to strain their already difficult living conditions.
The main suit, filed last month, names the Attorney General, TotalEnergies EP Uganda, and the Hoima Resident District Commissioner, Rogers Mbabazi, as respondents.
The applicants accuse the respondents of involvement in the eviction and failure to protect communities from alleged threats of renewed displacement.
By press time, TotalEnergies EP Uganda had not publicly commented on the suit.
The disputed land is reportedly crossed by the Tilenga oil project feeder pipeline.
The applicants are seeking court declarations that the 2023 eviction violated their human rights, as well as orders compelling protection for the returnees and accountability for those responsible.
The affected residents come from seven villages in Kapapi Sub-county in Hoima District, including Kiryateete, Kapaapi East, Kapaapi North, Kapaapi South, and Waaki South.
