KAMPALA, Uganda — Tension is escalating at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School following explosive revelations of an alleged scheme to lease or sell off school land, despite strong resistance from parents, government authorities, and some board members.
A stakeholders’ meeting held on 25th April 2026 has come under heavy criticism after reports emerged that its agenda was abruptly shifted to discuss leasing, selling, and swapping school land, issues that had previously been rejected by parents.
Hon. James Mubiru, the KCCA Councilor for Rubaga North III, revealed that although he missed the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances, credible reports indicate that the session was hijacked by certain board members and old students pushing for land transactions. Those named include former Old Students’ Chairman Joseph Liminya, Board Member Egesa Odoki, and Board Chairman Balojja Tom.
Parents, through PTA Chairperson Nagadya Josephine, have strongly opposed any attempt to dispose of school land. She emphasized that during the 2025 Annual General Meeting, parents unanimously resolved that no school land should be sold or leased.
She described the developments as shocking, noting that the issue was introduced despite not being on the official agenda. Even more concerning, according to reports, is that continuing students in full uniform were allegedly mobilized to support the proposal, raising serious ethical questions.
A letter from the Ministry of Education dated 24th April 2026 had already directed authorities to halt the meeting and any discussions related to leasing the land until a coordinated government position was established. Despite this directive, the meeting reportedly went ahead, fueling accusations of misconduct and disregard for government authority.
Hon. Mubiru also linked the current developments to a similar attempt in 2022, where efforts were made to lease the school’s sports grounds under the cover of establishing a golf course. That attempt was resisted and eventually halted. He now warns that what is happening is a repeat effort, describing it as organized land grabbing targeting public institutions.
The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of East Metal Plus Company Ltd, which recently wrote to the school’s board expressing readiness to finance and develop a sports facility. The company indicated plans to raise UGX 1.5 billion for initial construction and proposed a Public-Private Partnership arrangement. However, concerns have been raised that the process did not involve key authorities such as KCCA and the Ministry of Education, and that the proposed arrangement could include a lease of up to 99 years, potentially placing control of the land outside the school’s hands.
The meeting itself reportedly turned tense when PTA Chairperson Nagadya Josephine openly opposed the proposals and was allegedly threatened with arrest after the board chairman called in police. There are also claims that some board members who have consistently resisted such deals, including representatives from KCCA, old students, and the PTA, have been blocked from attending meetings with the help of police, despite lacking formal communication from appointing authorities.
Hon. Mubiru has called on all stakeholders to unite in defending public school land, warning that the future of Old Kampala S.S is at risk if such actions are not stopped. He urged parents and the wider community to remain vigilant and stand firm against any attempts to take over school property, emphasizing that powerful interests may be involved and that the risks are real.
What began as a routine stakeholders’ meeting has now evolved into a major conflict involving parents, school leadership, private investors, and government authorities. With allegations of manipulation, ignored directives, and potential land grabbing, the struggle over Old Kampala Senior Secondary School’s land continues to intensify.
