Museveni speaks out on Nakawa-Naguru estate land
Oct 08, 2019
In 2007, Opec Prime Properties Uganda Ltd had entered into a private-public partnership to redevelop the dilapidated estate
President Yoweri Museveni has spoken out on the possible future use of the abandoned Nakawa-Naguru estate land, saying the government is going to review a proposal fronted by the Uganda Manufacturers' Association (UMA) to turn the estate into a convention and expo centre.
Speaking at the 27the Annual Uganda International Trade Fair at UMA showgrounds at Lugogo, Nakawa on Monday, Museveni, said: "I have been told that the trade fair has attracted over 500 companies from across 27 countries. At this rate, we shall review the proposal from the Uganda Manufacturers' Association (UMA) to redevelop the Nakawa- Naguru land into a convention and expo centre, so as to tap into our bigger potential for trade."
Early this year, Cabinet advised that the government should repossess the Nakawa-Naguru housing estate land, following the failure by a private investor to develop a proposed satellite city.
In 2007, Opec Prime Properties Uganda Ltd had entered into a private-public partnership to redevelop the dilapidated estate.
The private investor was also supposed to build low-cost residential units for the growing working class in the country, with registered former tenants getting the first priority.
To kick-start the project, Museveni in 2013, laid a foundation stone to signify the construction of the Nakawa-Naguru satellite estate, which sits on 160 acres.
The plan was to redevelop the estate, build 1,747 flats, bungalows, commercial buildings, a five-star hotel, a referral hospital, schools and recreational facilities.
Having failed to implement the plan, the government resolved to cancel the contract with the private investor, repossess the land and also compensate former sitting tenants at the estate, to pave way for a better plan for the estate.