There is a brewing controversy involving Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, who is accused of taking control of a government stock farm in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District.
The issue was brought to light during a parliamentary session by Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda.
Ssemujju expressed concern about a minister allegedly seizing the government farm and even arresting the farm manager, questioning the extent of such actions. He raised the matter during a recent plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, echoed Ssemujju’s concerns, condemning the minister’s behavior. Ssenyonyi said that the farm played a crucial role in providing essential services to citizens in the eastern region.
Tororo District Woman MP, Hon. Sarah Opendi, reminded the parliament that the 10th Parliament had previously investigated the case and made recommendations. She suggested revisiting those recommendations, which included government reclaiming the farm and compensating Gen. Otafiire if he had valid legal claims.
The Minister for Public Service, Hon. Wilson Muruli Mukasa, proposed allowing Otafiire an opportunity to provide a personal explanation. However, the Deputy Speaker ruled to have the Prime Minister take charge and report back to Parliament within two weeks.
The Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also directed the release of Dr. Carol Wabule, the Njeru Stock Farm Manager, who had been reportedly arrested on Otafiire’s orders for criminal trespass.
The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama, assured Parliament that the farm manager had been released on Police bond and reinstated in her position.
In 2019, Otafiire presented documents to Parliament asserting that the disputed land was privately owned and obtained through a willing buyer-willing seller arrangement. He claimed that government wrongly assumed control of his land.