UGANDA, Nakawa | Real Muloodi News | During a parliamentary session on 29th September, speaker Jacob Oulanyah directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to halt ongoing construction of commercial buildings at Kampala’s Nakawa-Ntinda junction, claiming the works are illegal and dangerous.
The directive responds to Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa’s concerns about ongoing construction work at the junction, which he claims is a reserve road.
“There is an illegal construction in the space around the spear motors-Ntinda junction. Kampala Capital City Council (KCCA) claims they are not aware of this development, but we need to stop this illegal activity. It was stopped in the last parliament but they have now fenced it off,” Oulanyah said.
Oulanyah added, “Hon. Minister, you have all the information. The junction is opposite the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV), Spear motors along the road to Ntinda and road to Jinja. You need to act and such areas should not be degraded because if they are, then we are threatened.”
Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa recalled how he raised the issue in the 10th parliament when a fuel station was being built. At that time the House halted the construction works, and urged the speaker to direct respective ministries to act and stop the ongoing construction works once again.
He also stated the structure is on an Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) owned road reserve and wetland, obstructing drainage running from Crest foam to Pepsi if not handled properly, resulting in flooding.
According to Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Information, Communication, and National Guidance, illegal construction in gazetted areas is a challenge for the Uganda Land Board, which has brought inspectors on board to address the issue.
Chris Baryomunsi also reminded the House that the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Planning proposed an amendment to the Act, which was passed in 2020, strengthening the physical planning board.
He also stated the Kampala City Council Authority is working with the Ministry of Land to detect such structures and take immediate action because laws are to be followed.
It’s an enormous challenge where Ugandans erect structures without necessary approvals. In 2020, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Planning brought an amendment of Act which was passed and this strengthened the physical planning board.
They work closely with KCCA to detect such structures and take immediate action, because there are laws to be followed, Baryomunsi added.
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