UCU Vice Chancellor John Senyonyi accuses Minister Kibuule of grabbing University land

A team from Uganda Christian University led by Vice Chancellor Canon Dr John Musisi Mubiru Ssenyonyi has petitioned the Commission of Inquiry into land matters, seeking its intervention over failed several attempts by the University to repossess and develop its Land at Ntawo Village in Mukono District, measuring 649.2acres.

Canon Ssenyonyi told the Commission Chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire that the said Land was given to Church of Uganda, as a gift from late Ham Mukasa then Ssaza Chief of Kyaggwe and Former Katikkiro of Buganda in 1921, to benefit Bishop Tucker Theological College, the Church and the Nation.

Canon Ssenyonyi further explained that in 1997 the College became Uganda Christian University and took over its assets and liabilities under the name UCU Holdings; then opted to lease out some pieces of its land to about 10 people, but these leases expired by 2007.

Canon Ssenyonyi informed the Commission that when the said leases expired, some of the land remained vacant and efforts to develop it proved futile as varous encrouchers had grabbed it including; 213 bonafide occupants, State Minister for Water Ronald Kibuule who built a residential palace thereon, and re-known Lawyer Peter Mulira who is acting on behalf of the family of the late Ham Mukasa also wants to reclaim the same land, while former State Minister for Lands Aidah Nantaba visited the land in January/2013 and incited the said people on the land to reject any negotiations with the Church of Uganda.

Canon Ssenyonyi revealed that as a result of the Political interference, in August/2016 a mob attacked and attempted to lynch him and a number of Church of Uganda Bishops led by Archbishop Stanley Ntagali while coming from a tour of the Land.

Hon. Kibuule and Maj.General Proscovia Nalweyiso, are among the many people on the contested land.

Canon Ssenyonyi implored the Commission to do whatever they can to help the University repossess its land and also equip them with enough security to be able to develop it.

In their response, the Land Probe Commissioners promised to investigate the matter and hear out all the accused persons, but they also advised that it would be better the University and the interested parties sit on a round table and see how they can co-exist.