UGANDA, Entebbe | Real Muloodi News | The Wakiso District Speaker, Najja Nasif, has brought attention to the illegal distribution of land by the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) in Entebbe.
It has been revealed that over 170 acres of local forest reserve land were unlawfully distributed to 46 officials by the commission.
According to Nasif, in 2022, the ULC approached the Wakiso District with a request to develop the Gunda Forest Reserve through investors.
However, due to environmental conservation measures, the district did not approve the land development at that time.
Despite this, the commission proceeded to process land titles illegally and subdivided the land into 46 plots, which were then distributed to various individuals and investment companies, including government officials.
Nasif emphasised that the ULC has no authority over this land as it belongs to the Wakiso District Local Government.
Documents obtained indicate that each official paid a land lease of USh2.4 million per acre, raising concerns about potential corruption and illicit deals behind the illegal distribution.
In 2018, youth leaders in Wakiso District petitioned President Yoweri Museveni to allow them to develop the land in question for an industrial park.
In response, President Museveni directed the Ministry of Water and Environment and the Ministry of Trade to guide the youth on the proper procedures for utilising the land for development projects.
Ibrahim Kazibwe, a Wakiso District Youth Counsellor, expressed deep disappointment that the land intended for youth development and poverty alleviation is now being grabbed by unscrupulous individuals.
Kazibwe stated that if the government does not intervene, he will mobilise the youth to protest and protect their land.
He further highlighted the alarming discovery that some land grabbers are fraudulently using the name of the “Wakiso Youth Council” to claim ownership of the land, despite having no affiliation with the legitimate council.
Nyanzi Fisal, Chairperson of the Natural Resources and Production Committee in Wakiso District Council, called on President Museveni to initiate an inquiry into the encroachment on the natural forest reserve.
Fisal emphasised that the district committee requests the President’s intervention to remove those who have used their influential positions to unlawfully seize the land.
Dennis Obbo, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Lands, confirmed that the ministry is aware of the matter and investigations are currently underway to address the issue.
The ministry’s political leadership plans to hold a stakeholder meeting in the coming week to resolve the matter in collaboration with the Uganda Land Board (ULB) and other relevant parties.
The illegal distribution of land highlights the need for transparent and accountable land management practices. It is crucial to safeguard natural resources, such as forest reserves, for the benefit of the community and future generations.
The government must take swift action to address the illegal land distribution and prevent further encroachment on protected areas.
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