UGANDA, Kisenyi | Real Muloodi News | In a significant development, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has committed to a substantial payout of USh360 billion to businessman tycoon John Bosco Muwonge for his contested 10-acre land in Kisenyi.
The long-standing dispute, entangled with the fate of traders on the disputed land, seems to be moving towards resolution.
Parliament Speaker Anita Among intervened in the matter, urging KCCA to initiate the payment process, settling at approximately USh36.1 billion per acre, although Muwonge insisted on USh370 billion.
The move comes after the Federation of Kampala Hawkers and Vendors Association sought assistance, and as Muwonge sought to clear the land of traders.
During a parliamentary meeting involving Muwonge, KCCA officials led by Minister for Kampala Minsa Kabanda, and Speaker Among, a consensus was reached.
The contested land in Kisenyi had become the relocation site for street hawkers and vendors, initially evicted to decongest Kampala.
The conflict between traders and Muwonge escalated as the businessman accused the government of failing to compensate him for providing space for the relocated vendors.
Initially demanding USh37.6 billion per acre, Muwonge had faced government resistance due to the perceived high valuation.
Minister Kabanda disclosed that USh66.1 billion per acre, per the chief government valuer, would be the agreed-upon amount.
Furthermore, it was decided that the payment would occur in instalments, a condition that President Museveni has reportedly conditionally cleared through an executive order.
Minister Kabanda outlined the phased acquisition approach endorsed by President Museveni, emphasising the prime nature of the land.
By the end of the meeting, Muwonge accepted the government’s offered amount, prompting Speaker Among to direct the drafting of a payment commitment letter.
Muwonge, in response, pledged to halt the eviction of traders, expressing satisfaction with the assurance that the government would commit in writing to purchase the land and ensure a smooth process.
However, not everyone is pleased with the outcome. Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago criticised the deal, labelling it a “wrong decision” and expressing concern over the considerable financial loss that could have been invested in other critical areas of Kampala.
Lukwago deemed the transaction questionable and rooted in fraud, particularly highlighting the shocking amount involved for each acre.
As the KCCA proceeds with the payment commitment, the government is expected to plan and allocate the funds in the next financial budget for 2024/25.
Parliament’s approval will be sought once KCCA initiates the requisition, marking a significant step toward resolving the protracted Kisenyi land dispute.
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