KAMPALA – Minister of Water and Environment Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire has strongly defended his ownership of land in Njeru, dismissing allegations that he illegally acquired part of the controversial Njeru Stock Farm.
In a detailed statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Otafiire accused State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama and sections of the media of misleading the public over the long-running land dispute. He specifically criticized New Vision journalist Gerald Etukuri, alleging that the reporter had abandoned objective journalism and was instead acting as a spokesperson for Rwamirama and his associates.
The minister rejected claims that he had grabbed land belonging to the Njeru Stock Farm, maintaining that he legally owns 90 acres located entirely on Plots 3 and 4. According to Otafiire, the land was acquired in 2016 and is separate from Plot 2, where the disputed 190-acre stock farm is situated.
Otafiire argued that the government’s lease over Plot 2 was lawfully terminated after landowners successfully challenged the then-Njeru Municipal Council for failing to pay rent. He cited a 2005 arbitration award and a 2011 High Court re-entry order, which restored ownership of the land to the heirs of the late Ham Mukasa.
He further explained that the estate was later administered by Brenda Nanyondo and Ham Ssali, with portions of the land legally subdivided and sold to third-party buyers following court proceedings.
Questioning why public attention has focused on his 90 acres, Otafiire noted that several other investors own significantly larger portions of land across Plots 3 and 4. He said Modern Ventures Ltd and its affiliated companies collectively own about 160 acres, while investors including Keshwala Group, Seyani Brothers, Shreeji Glass, and Musa Were control more than 320 acres.
The minister also referred to a presidential directive issued on January 17, 2024, instructing government ministries to allocate 450 acres of the Njeru Stock Farm land to Modern Ventures Ltd for industrial expansion. He argued that the directive raises questions about assertions that the land is intended solely for livestock farming.
The Njeru Stock Farm land dispute has remained a contentious issue, with competing claims over ownership, land use, and government policy continuing to fuel public debate. Otafiire insists that his acquisition was lawful and backed by court decisions, while calling for greater scrutiny of all landowners involved rather than focusing exclusively on his property.
