MPs have raised allegations against the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for forcibly acquiring land valued at sh33.3 billion belonging to their savings and credit co-operative society (SACCO) and Ssese Habitat in Namwabula village, Mpigi District.
The accusations were brought forward by Parliament’s Committee on Budget, chaired by Kachumbala County MP, Patrick Isiagi Opolot, in its latest report on the National Budget Framework Paper for the financial year 2024/25 to 2028/29. The committee expressed concern over UPDF’s occupation of the land before proper acquisition procedures were undertaken.
Opolot informed the House that during the financial year 2024/25, a provision of sh17.661 billion had been made, leaving a gap of sh157.3 billion. Additionally, UPDF was reported to have compulsorily acquired land belonging to the Parliamentary SACCO and Ssese Habitat in Namwabula, Mpigi District, valued at sh33.3 billion.
Responding to the allegations, Jacob Marksons Oboth, the state minister for Defence and West Budama Central MP, denied the accusations of compulsorily acquiring the Parliamentary SACCO land. He clarified that UPDF had been occupying part of the land, and the issue arose because part of it coincidentally belonged to the Parliamentary SACCO.
Oboth emphasized that UPDF does not determine the price of the land but follows the valuation provided by the chief government valuer. He stated that the process of determining compensation is ongoing and involves dealing with the parliamentary SACCO on their behalf.
The minister highlighted that UPDF’s need for land is based on strategic security and defence-related objectives, and the process involves taking the land and then compensating the owners. He underscored that the occupation of the land was not about grabbing but about fulfilling strategic security needs.
Oboth clarified that besides the Parliamentary SACCO, there are other owners of the land in question, such as Ssese Habitat, emphasizing the complexity of the situation and the need for proper procedures in land acquisition for strategic purposes.
