By Dean Lubowa Saava
Residents of Upper Konge in Makindye Division, Kampala, were shocked to see bulldozers and men in muscle shirts entering a neighbor’s home with machetes, sparking fears of a land grab. However, the stadium boss, who owns the home, revealed that he had ordered the demolition to build a new structure and had already shifted to another residence.
Despite the boss’s claims, an investigative website found that nothing has been done at the site for two months, fueling speculation that the demolition was a ploy to disrupt an ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of funds allocated for the stadium’s renovation. Sources in the military revealed that the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba had instituted a team of investigators to probe the mismanagement of Shs97bn allocated for the stadium’s renovation.
The Investigation
The investigation has implicated several top UPDF commanders and soldiers, with some already under detention. The UPDF spokesperson, Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, confirmed the withdrawal of UPDF engineers from the project, citing a decision agreed upon with the Ministry of Education and Sports and FUFA.
A History of Controversy
The stadium boss’s actions have raised eyebrows, given his history of controversy. Justice Catherine Bamugemereire’s land probe had recommended his prosecution for alleged involvement in the illegal sale of stadium land to developers. The boss’s father was a close friend of President Museveni, and the family has been known for its flamboyant lifestyle.
The Timing
The demolition comes days after Gen Muhoozi established a committee to investigate inconsistencies in bomb threat reports attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The committee includes top military and police officials, and sources claim that the inquiry was prompted by growing concerns within the security leadership.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the stadium boss’s motives and the fate of the funds allocated for the stadium’s renovation. Will justice be served, or will the powerful continue to evade accountability? Only time will tell.
