IGG, Minister clash over Naguru estate
THE Inspector General of Government (IGG) and local government minister Kahinda Otafiire have locked horns over the eviction of hundreds of residents from the sprawling Naguru and Nakawa housing estates, east of Kampala.
By Alfred Wasike
THE Inspector General of Government (IGG) and local government minister Kahinda Otafiire have locked horns over the eviction of hundreds of residents from the sprawling Naguru and Nakawa housing estates, east of Kampala.
Otafiire on Friday issued a “final and last†warning ordering the residents of the dilapidated structures to vacate within one month or face forceful eviction.
But the IGG, Justice Faith Mwondha, yesterday directed the residents not to vacate their homes until her office had verified reports that the sale of the prime land was fraudulent.
The residents petitioned the IGG last year, alleging that their eviction and the redevelopment of the area had been “mismanaged and highly flawed†by the ministry of local government.
“This is to inform all concerned parties and the public that the Inspectorate of Government commenced investigations into the sale of public estates and land at the Naguru and Nakawa Housing Estates in December 2007,†said a statement, issued yesterday by the IGG’s spokesperson, Christine Mugerwa.
“An order was issued by the IGG halting the eviction of the tenants on the land, pending conclusion of investigations by the Inspectorate of Government.â€
Although the people involved will have a chance to be heard, preliminary findings, she said “indicate that the process was flawed and fraught with glaring violations of the law. This may render the whole process and the PPP Agreement null and void.â€
She warned the Ministry of Local Government not to appear to be frustrating or obstructing the functions of the IGG.
“Let all parties concerned and the general public be aware that there are consequences for violation of an order issued by the Inspector General of Government and culprits will suffer at their peril.â€
The IGG was reacting to a notice published by Otafiire in The New Vision, urging the tenants to heed an earlier call to vacate the area by January 31.
“The delay and refusal by the tenants to leave the housing estates is frustrating the Naguru and Nakawa Redevelopment Project and causing unnecessary problems for Government, which has already signed an international agreement with a private developer,†the notice read.
“I am now issuing a final and last notice to all bona fide tenants at Naguru/Nakawa housing estates to vacate within one month, i.e. by 12th July. Those who not have left the housing estates by that time will face the risk of being forced out.â€
[Related article under LOCAL CENTRAL]
THE Inspector General of Government (IGG) and local government minister Kahinda Otafiire have locked horns over the eviction of hundreds of residents from the sprawling Naguru and Nakawa housing estates, east of Kampala.
Otafiire on Friday issued a “final and last†warning ordering the residents of the dilapidated structures to vacate within one month or face forceful eviction.
But the IGG, Justice Faith Mwondha, yesterday directed the residents not to vacate their homes until her office had verified reports that the sale of the prime land was fraudulent.
The residents petitioned the IGG last year, alleging that their eviction and the redevelopment of the area had been “mismanaged and highly flawed†by the ministry of local government.
“This is to inform all concerned parties and the public that the Inspectorate of Government commenced investigations into the sale of public estates and land at the Naguru and Nakawa Housing Estates in December 2007,†said a statement, issued yesterday by the IGG’s spokesperson, Christine Mugerwa.
“An order was issued by the IGG halting the eviction of the tenants on the land, pending conclusion of investigations by the Inspectorate of Government.â€
Although the people involved will have a chance to be heard, preliminary findings, she said “indicate that the process was flawed and fraught with glaring violations of the law. This may render the whole process and the PPP Agreement null and void.â€
She warned the Ministry of Local Government not to appear to be frustrating or obstructing the functions of the IGG.
“Let all parties concerned and the general public be aware that there are consequences for violation of an order issued by the Inspector General of Government and culprits will suffer at their peril.â€
The IGG was reacting to a notice published by Otafiire in The New Vision, urging the tenants to heed an earlier call to vacate the area by January 31.
“The delay and refusal by the tenants to leave the housing estates is frustrating the Naguru and Nakawa Redevelopment Project and causing unnecessary problems for Government, which has already signed an international agreement with a private developer,†the notice read.
“I am now issuing a final and last notice to all bona fide tenants at Naguru/Nakawa housing estates to vacate within one month, i.e. by 12th July. Those who not have left the housing estates by that time will face the risk of being forced out.â€
[Related article under LOCAL CENTRAL]