UGANDA, Luzira | Real Muloodi News | The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has called for clarification from Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja regarding the reported relocation of Luzira Prison, amid mounting concerns over alleged land grabbing involving Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire.
Amidst growing apprehensions among Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the transparency of the Luzira Prison relocation process, Speaker Among urged Premier Nabbanja to summon Minister Otafiire to address the unfolding situation.
The move follows escalating suspicions surrounding Otafiire’s alleged involvement in various land-grabbing scandals across Uganda.
In a parliamentary session, Speaker Among emphasised the imperative for Minister Otafiire to respond to the allegations surrounding the proposed relocation of the prison facility.
She underscored the significance of transparency and adherence to due process, stressing that while the decision to relocate Luzira Prison may have merit, the procedural aspects demand meticulous scrutiny.
During the deliberations, MP Mwatekamwa Gaffa voiced objections to Minister Otafiire’s role in facilitating consultative meetings, citing concerns about his reputation as a reputed land grabber.
Speaker Among reiterated the necessity for MPs to raise such concerns directly with Minister Otafiire in the parliamentary setting, urging adherence to established protocol.
Echoing Gaffa’s sentiments, several MPs expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the proposed relocation, particularly amidst widespread speculation on social media platforms.
They highlighted Minister Otafiire’s tainted reputation as a land grabber, underscoring the urgency for transparency and accountability in the relocation process.
Amidst the controversy, leaked documents have revealed plans to identify suitable land for the construction of a new prison to replace Luzira Maximum Prison, which is reportedly slated for transformation into a luxurious 5-star hotel.
A leaked letter dated July 2022, purportedly from President Museveni to Minister Otafiire, outlines proposals from Tian Tang Group, a Chinese investment agency, to redevelop the prison site into a high-end hotel complete with a state-of-the-art conference centre.
Confirming the ongoing discussions at the ministerial level, Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine clarified that Uganda Prisons is not directly involved in the negotiations regarding the purported transformation of Luzira Prison.
However, the leaked documents have fueled public scrutiny and raised questions about the transparency and legality of the proposed relocation and subsequent redevelopment plans.
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