Access Road Conflict Escalates Between Seguku Prayer Mountain Church and Local Community

Tensions have reached a boiling point in Kajjansi Town Council, where a property disagreement between Seguku Prayer Mountain Church and Seguku Village locals has intensified over a blocked access road. The friction ignited after religious leaders commissioned a boundary wall around their compound, effectively cutting off a pathway villagers have relied upon for more than a decade to reach their homes.

Frustrated by the sudden closure, community members mobilized to the site under the guidance of Local Council Chairman Musa Muyingo. In response, protesters dismantled portions of the newly erected structure, escalating what had been a simmering disagreement into open confrontation.

Key developments

Church representatives maintain that the construction falls entirely within their legal boundaries. Historically, the congregation held title to roughly 115 acres, though they acknowledge their current holdings have shrunk to approximately 56 acres due to prolonged settlement by locals over the years. According to Reverend Dr. Ssemambo Patrick, speaking for the institution, the fencing effort was strictly implemented to protect worshippers and church assets, not to obstruct any officially recognized public thoroughfare.

Dr. Ssemambo strongly criticized the demolition, labeling it as destructive vandalism and alleging that local leadership incited the unrest. He pointed to mounting security threats, including recent property damage and a prior incident that required law enforcement to discharge warning shots to manage unruly crowds. “Security guidelines prompted us to fortify the premises,” the reverend explained. “We are committed to purchasing a separate plot to establish a replacement walkway. The community must exercise patience while we finalize this arrangement.”

What happens next

Chairman Muyingo has dismissed these promises, arguing that the religious institution unilaterally severed a vital community artery without prior discussion. He emphasized that the route has been integral to neighborhood mobility for more than ten years and cannot be simply replaced without formal agreement and community consultation.

Law enforcement officials have stepped in to stabilize the area. Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala confirmed that patrols have been intensified and an official probe is underway to determine the legality of both the road and the fencing. The incident highlights the mounting pressures of urban sprawl and contested land rights across Wakiso District, where rapid development often collides with established community infrastructure. As investigations continue, residents demand immediate restoration of passage while the church stands firm on its security mandates, leaving the standoff unresolved.