A fresh row has erupted over land that belonged to the deceased former Masaka Municipality mayor John Tebyasa Matovu after the High Court in Masaka on Monday allowed the family to sell the property. 

Court presided over by the Masaka High Court judge Ketra Katunguka ordered that the four plots at Sazza in Masaka City be sold to cater for the ill health of Tebyasa’s daughter Beatrice Babirye.

The court stated that the four plots shall be considered as part of Babirye's share and entitlement in Tebyasa’s and that all parties to the suit shall sign the sale agreement.

However shortly after the High Court order was implemented, a section of family members led by Adrona Nyindombiwho was a mistress to the deceased, stormed Masaka Police Station protesting against the matter.

The land buyer Paul Sserwadda was attacked for clearing a banana plantation in one of the plots he had procured from the family at sh170m. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and intervened in the matter.

Tebyasa’s widow Nalongo Imelda Gatrude Basudde told New Vision that the money raised from the land sale catered for the medical bills and treatment of Babirye.  She described the move to interrupt the implementation of the High Court order as contempt of court.

John Tebyasa Matovu the former Masaka Municipality mayor. Photo by Dismus Buregyeya.

New Vision learnt that a former caretaker to Tebyasa, John Wilson raised concern that the banana plantation that was destroyed belonged to him through the deceased.

Police in Masaka was taking statements from Doroty Matovu, Adrona Nyindombi, George Matovu and Wilson John by press time. 

Sserwadda declined to make a statement on grounds that it was not necessary since he had acquired the land with court and family authority.

A Police letter dated July 20 okayed the transaction.