Museveni Weighs in on Mulago Land Dispute

A significant land dispute near Kampala’s Mulago National Referral Hospital has drawn the attention of President Yoweri Museveni.

The controversy centers on a plot of land in Kiwonvu cell, Mulago 2 ward, Kawempe Division, where businessman Samuel Brian Ssegawa and Dr. Charles Lugero have competing claims.

The Uganda Land Commission (ULC) initially allocated the land to Mr. Ssegawa, issuing him a leasehold title. However, Mulago Hospital protested the allocation, asserting the land was part of their property and that they had not consented. Subsequently, the ULC rescinded the allocation and requested the cancellation of Mr. Ssegawa’s title, a move that was reinforced by a presidential directive.

Mr. Ssegawa challenged the cancellation in the High Court, which ruled in his favor, quashing the cancellation and ordering the restoration of his title. Despite the court’s decision, the dispute persists.

Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has stepped in, scheduling a meeting for both parties to present their documentation. She indicated that while the President’s wish is to compensate Mr. Ssegawa, this would only occur if he is deemed the rightful claimant and the compensation is appropriately handled.

Both parties have accused each other of interference. Mr. Ssegawa claims Dr. Lugero’s construction activities are disrupting his pharmacy business, while Dr. Lugero states that Mr. Ssegawa’s structure impedes access to his developing property.

Local leadership confirms that Dr. Lugero owns land behind Mr. Ssegawa’s structure, but also notes that Mr. Ssegawa acquired his plot earlier in 2008. The Minister has already ordered the removal of construction materials blocking access to Mr. Ssegawa’s business as efforts to resolve the standoff continue.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-intervenes-in-mulago-land-dispute-5570934