A burgeoning scandal within the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has ignited concerns over alleged corruption & disregard for environmental safeguards. Whistleblower John Paul Mukalazi, an accountant with SDG Group International, has lodged a detailed complaint with Deputy IGG, Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, accusing top KCCA officials of orchestrating a fraudulent land deal. The contentious acquisition involves 230 acres of land in the Buto-Buvuma area, purportedly part of a protected forest reserve managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA)
Mukalazi’s complaint implicates high-ranking officials, including KCCA’s ED Sharifa Buzeki, Legal Director Frank Rusa and Deputy Solicitor General Charles Ouma. He alleges that these individuals colluded to procure the land for waste management purposes, despite explicit warnings from National Forestry Authority (NFA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regarding its environmental unsuitability & questionable legal title. Notably, Mukalazi had previously offered KCCA a free 50-acre parcel for the same purpose, which was declined in favor of the disputed 230-acre tract.
Central to the allegations are claims that private landowners Derrick Luwaga and Luberenga George Mike fraudulently obtained titles to the forest reserve land. Mukalazi asserts that bribes exceeding UGX 5 billion were promised to various officials to facilitate the deal. Despite clear advisories from NFA and NEMA, KCCA reportedly proceeded with the transaction, overlooking the free alternative land offered by Mukalazi. This decision not only poses financial risks to the gov’t but also threatens a vital forest ecosystem serving as a crucial catchment area
In response to the allegations, former KCCA Ag. ED and current Legal Director, Frank Rusa stated that the authority conducted due diligence before acquiring the land from three individuals, whose identities and the transaction amount were not disclosed. Rusa asserted that any disputes regarding land ownership had been resolved in court, with rulings favoring the current proprietors over NFA.
However, NFA maintains that the land in question is part of a forest reserve & that the titles were illegally obtained. Maniraguha Stuart, NFA’s Ag. ED, emphasized that the government cannot purchase its own land & highlighted ongoing efforts to cancel fraudulent titles within forest reserves
This dispute stresses broader issues of systemic corruption & governance challenges in Uganda. NFA reported 703 cases of illegal titles in forest reserves in 2024 alone, reflecting a pervasive problem requiring urgent intervention. The perceived inaction of the IGG since Nov 2024 raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms. Mukalazi has expressed frustration over the lack of accountability & has threatened to escalate the matter to the President & the media, a move that could amplify public scrutiny & pressure authorities to act.
