A private developer is carrying on with construction in a green area in Masaka City despite an order from the Resident City Commissioner (RCC). Mr. Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, who is in charge of Kimaanya/Kabonera Municipality, had previously put a stop to construction activities on Plot 14, Baines Terrace, near Court Lane Hotel, a recognized green belt.
The project is under the ownership of Mr. Walter Kawuma, a Masaka businessman. Mr. Kawuma had initially leveled the site, enclosed it with a fence, and commenced construction.
Mr. Kateregga sent a team to the location after discovering that Mr. Kawuma had disregarded his directive. The developer claimed to have received approval from the city planning unit.
In an interview on Monday, Mr. Kateregga expressed his surprise that the technical experts responsible for advising on planning matters could endorse the construction of a permanent structure in a green belt.
However, a development permission report released by Masaka City Council in July this year indicated that Mr. Kawuma had received clearance from the city authorities to establish a restaurant in the green belt.
Mr. Kawuma maintains that he is the legitimate owner of the disputed land, asserting that he followed all the necessary procedures and obtained a title deed.
He stated, “I possess all the documentation that authorizes me to use that land. Anyone questioning the ongoing construction should contact the city council for clarification.”
Mr. Martin Kigozi, the Masaka City physical planner, mentioned that the city’s physical planning committee, guided by the National Building Review Board, sanctioned the project.
He added, “The development of private green spaces is acceptable as long as the developer adheres to the guidelines that permit the construction of recreational facilities, restaurants, or parking lots, among other environmentally friendly projects.”
Ms. Alice Nanungi, the chairperson of the Masaka City Building Control Committee, approved Mr. Kawuma’s building plan after reviewing the submitted documents. She advised Mr. Kawuma to limit his developments to the proposed recreational facility plan without encroaching on public utilities or privately owned land nearby.
