Former Minister of Economic Monitoring in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Henry Banyenzaki, is facing backlash from Kabale District leaders after caveating 35 acres of district land located at Kikungiri Hill in Kabale Municipality.
The contested land, registered as Plot 720, Block 3 at Kikungiri, was caveated by Banyenzaki on March 26, 2021, before Commissioner of Oaths Timothy Twikirize.
Banyenzaki claims he placed the caveat to support the growth and development of Kabale University, which attained public university status on July 16, 2015. According to him, in 2015, the then Kabale District Chairman, the late Patrick Besigye Keihwa, publicly declared—while Banyenzaki was present that the district would allocate the land to the university for its expansion. Banyenzaki adds that the commitment was a result of prior deliberations by the district council.
He further alleges that President Yoweri Museveni, during the same event, supported the proposal and emphasized the need to allocate the land to Kabale University to enhance regional development, pledging to elevate the institution to public university status.
Banyenzaki also claims that some individuals have been attempting to allocate the land to private developers in violation of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act. He insists that his caveat was placed in the public interest, aiming to prevent any unauthorized sale, transfer, or subdivision of the land until a formal decision is made by the Ministry of Local Government and other relevant government bodies.
However, Kabale District Lands Officer Joan Asiimwe revealed that the district only discovered the caveat recently during a review of titled and untitled land. She expressed concern that the district had not been notified by the relevant authorities when the caveat was placed.
Northern Division District Councilor Tom Kazamera questioned Banyenzaki’s intentions, warning that the district risks losing the land if no immediate action is taken.
Bridget Asinga, former Vice Chairperson during Keihwa’s tenure, condemned Banyenzaki’s actions, accusing him of exploiting the late chairman’s name. She asserted that there was never a formal agreement to hand over the land to Kabale University without following due process.
CUE IN ASINGA……ON THE LAND……ENG//
Kabale District Speaker Flavia Kanagizi Nyinakiiza dismissed Banyenzaki’s claims as unfounded, accusing him of attempting to grab the land since the time Kabale University operated as a private institution. She affirmed that the district leadership will fight to retain ownership of the land.
CUE IN SPEAKER NYINAKIIZA……ON LAND……ENG//
Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer John Asiimwe described Banyenzaki’s move as regrettable and inappropriate, noting that the land remains under the district’s jurisdiction. He stated that the district will inspect the land to prevent any illegal occupation or encroachment.
CUE IN ASIIMWE…..ON THE LAND……ENG//
