Museveni appoints Baguma Isoke new land boss

By Mary Karugaba

President Yoweri Museveni has named former state minister for lands Baguma Isoke as new chairman of the Uganda Land Commission (ULC).

The commission is constitutionally mandated to hold and manage any land in Uganda vested in or acquired by the Government.

Baguma replaces the commission’s longest serving chairman, Jehoash Mayanja-Nkangi. According to sources, Nkangi’s two year term expired “sometime back”.

The President also appointed Janat Mukwaya, the former Minister for General Duties in the Prime Minister’s Office, as member of the commission.

Mukwaya, retired from active politics in 2011. She had represented Mukono South constituency for over 10 years and is now an NRM mobiliser.

Other members, according to the list forwarded to the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, for approval include former MP Winfred Masiko, Ruth Alinyikira, Joseph Kasaija, Margaret Akello, Nelly Badaru, Johnson Okwil Okello and Charles Muhozi.

Lands minister Daudi Migereko confirmed the appointments but declined to comment on issues of ULC.

“Yes. The President appointed new commissioners for Uganda Lands Commission and has forwarded the list to the Parliament and also given me a copy,” he said.

According to sources, some of the individuals have already submitted their CVs to the Clerk of Parliament. The Speaker is yet to announce the date for the vetting.

When contacted on phone Wednesday, Nkangi warned journalists against “rumour-mongering”, saying he had not been notified. “I don’t want your rumours, journalists. Who told you that the President has appointed a new chairman? I am in this position legally. I can even switch you off,” he said, before switching off the phone.

Baguma expressed shock at the appointment, saying: “Oh! I’m not aware of that. Yes, I submitted my CV to the President and Minister of Lands for nomination.”