The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has ordered the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Uganda Police Force to probe the illegal occupation of land owned by the Law Development Centre (LDC) in Bukoto, Kampala, and raising alarm over alleged negligence and unauthorized land transactions involving public property.
The land, which was legally acquired by LDC in 1994 at a cost of 300 million shillings, has reportedly been encroached upon by private settlers without any formal authorization.
The committee, chaired by Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi, expressed deep concern that despite the long-standing encroachment, no substantial action had been taken by the responsible authorities to reclaim or secure the land.
During a session examining LDC’s performance and audit records, the committee criticized former Executive Director Frank Othembi for what they termed as a failure to safeguard public land during his tenure.
Lawmakers argued that Othembi had not demonstrated due diligence in protecting the institution’s assets from encroachers.
Tororo District Woman MP, Sarah Opendi, strongly objected to LDC’s proposal to carry out a fresh valuation of the now-encumbered property.
She instead recommended that the institution proceed with eviction of the illegal occupants, suggesting that compensation, where necessary, be handled in a manner similar to past evictions on government property.
In his defense, Frank Othembi told the committee that steps had been taken during his administration to engage the encroachers and secure the property.
However, the committee remained unconvinced, emphasizing that the land remains under illegal occupation years after those efforts were allegedly made.
Chairperson Kivumbi subsequently instructed Police CID to launch a formal investigation into the matter.
He further directed that local village council officials who may have played a role in approving the dubious land occupation or sale be interrogated as part of the investigation.
The committee has vowed to pursue the matter until the land is recovered and accountability is established for any public officials who may have abetted the illegal settlement.
By Francis Lubega
5th Aug 2025
END
