Police have distanced themselves from an ongoing property row between the Kampala University Founder and Chancellor, Prof.Badru Kateregga and his wife, Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga.
In a Friday statement, Police said they were brought to the attention of the domestic dispute on November 24, 2024 following a complaint and the matter was fully investigated by the Criminal Investigations Directorate under HQRS/GEF 306/204.
Police say the case file was submitted to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and legal guidance.
“Upon perusal, on February, 18, 2025, the Office of the DPP guided that the family differences are rooted in property ownership and management which is out of control of Police and can best be handled by a civil court,” police said.
According to police, the position has since been communicated to both conflicting parties through their lawyers.
The law enforcement body says the expectation by Prof Kateregga that the Criminal Investigations Directorate has powers to remove Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga from the premises is outside their mandate.
“The alteration of possession of property under dispute can only be effected by a court order. Any request to act outside of this legal framework, or in the absence of a court order, cannot be entertained.”
Police said as custodians of the law, they can only act within the boundaries of the law.
“We work in close collaboration with other institutions, such as the ODPP, whose advice and directives we adhere to without deviation. Any notion that the police can override the opinion of the ODPP or carry out actions contrary to established legal procedures is unfounded.”
