The leadership of Masaka City Council has sought the intervention of the Minister for Local Government in a renewed ownership dispute threatening its occupation of the Mayor’s Chambers.
Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja has appealed to the Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, to protect the city from an impending eviction by Brigadier General Moses Silver Kayemba, who claims ownership of the building.
In her report to the Minister during his inspection tour of government programs and public service delivery in Masaka, Namayanja revealed that the city recently received a notice demanding vacant possession of the property.
The disputed building, located on Plot 26A Elgin Street, originally belonged to the Asian community before their expulsion in 1972.
It subsequently reverted to the government and has since accommodated the Mayor’s Chambers, the council hall, and some city offices.
Namayanja argues that although the ownership dispute remains unresolved, the claimant is already threatening to evict them, creating uncertainty for the city leadership.
According to Brig. Gen. Kayemba, he legally acquired the property in 2011 from the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB), the agency mandated to manage and dispose of assets left behind following the 1972 expulsion.
He attached copies of an allocation certificate and lease offer processed on the recommendation of the then Masaka District Land Board.
However, Namayanja maintains that the allocation was irregular, arguing that the city council, which she says still holds a valid lease over the property, was never consulted before its allocation. She claims that the property allocation transaction was irregular and described it as one of the questionable deals through which public assets are lost.
“The city has no alternative premises because construction of the new city headquarters is still in its early stages. Besides, the building forms part of the city’s official property inventory handed over to us when we took over office,” she noted.
In response, Minister Barugahara directed the Masaka Resident City Commissioner to gather all documentation relating to the property’s allocation to facilitate investigations.
He also said he would engage the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to summon all parties involved in the dispute with the aim of establishing the facts and finding a lasting solution-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
