Tobias Habasa, the Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) Officer of Kabale District, is under scrutiny for allegedly acquiring a land title illegally and encroaching on government land and structures owned by the Fisheries Department.
The disputed plot, numbered 36-37, is situated along Nyakeirima Road, Nyakeirima Village, Lower Bugongi Ward, Northern Division, Kabale Municipality. This land hosts two houses that previously served as offices for the district Fisheries department.
Habasa began residing in one of the houses approximately five years ago with permission from district authorities, paying subsidized rental fees to alleviate accommodation challenges for civil servants. However, some political leaders argue that after residing in the house, he initiated and completed the process of transferring the land title from Kabale District Local Government to his name.
They also claim that Habasa recently renovated one of the houses, altering the roofing design, replacing the roof, and painting it. Richard Mporera, the District Finance, Planning, Administration, and Works Committee chairperson, confirms receiving credible information indicating how Habasa transferred land titles from the district’s name to his own.
Mporera and fellow councilors have struggled to address inquiries from the public regarding how government land and property could be unlawfully taken. Leopold Twesigye, a district councilor representing Central Division, emphasizes that a civil servant fraudulently transferring land titles of the plot will deprive the district of potential income. He requests the Chief Administrative Officer’s office to provide a report to the council.
Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagizi, the District Speaker, questions the authority Habasa used to transfer land titles from the district local government to his name. She reveals that during a recent council meeting, her office directed the Chief Administrative Officer to collaborate with the Kigezi Inspectorate of Government to conduct thorough investigations.
She expresses concern that more district land titles could be acquired using similar tactics if no action is taken.
Jennifer Twebaze, the Kabale District Fisheries officer, admits to not knowing how Habasa managed to transfer titles from the district local government to his name. She confirms that the two houses previously served as fisheries department offices.
Fred Kalyesubula, the Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer, acknowledges being aware of the conflict since assuming office in 2021. He pledges to liaise with the Inspectorate of Government to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
When contacted for comment, Habasa claims to have purchased the land from the Uganda Lands Commission, where he also obtained development rights for the entire property. He declines to provide further details on the matter.