The Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Patrick Ayota, has revealed that the fund is set to challenge an order to recall one of its Lubowa land titles.

On April 22, 2024, the Ag. Commissioner Land Registration Baker Mugaino issued an order arising out of a hearing to establish double titling on seven plots of land created by the Wakiso District Lands Office.

The order sought to recall one of the titles of the National Social Security Fund, comprised in FRV 402, Folio 13, Plot 1322, whose total acreage is approximately 13% of the 600 acres owned by NSSF.

“The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) challenges this section and contends that the Ag. Commissioner in issuing this order did not consider a detailed explanation submitted to him at a public hearing by the Wakiso District Land Board in which the Land Board distanced themselves from having issued the seven certificates of title overlaid on NSSF’s land,” he said.

In addition, the surveys and administrative errors identified by the Ag Commissioner, Land Registration, can and should be handled administratively by the Ag Commissioner within his powers to manage the land register as set out in the law.

“We also note that the Ag. Commissioner proposed that the Fund should explore “an amicable settlement” with the complainants to acquire the land in dispute. We categorically distance ourselves from such a proposal because the Fund cannot enter negotiations to acquire land that it already owns, that the that the Wakiso District Land Board has disowned, is in full possession of, and holds valid titles issued as far back as 2003, Ayota said.

He reassured NSSF members and stakeholders that the order for rectification by the Ag. Commissioner Land Registration affects only one title out of the 109 titles held by the Fund and covers an area of 13% of the total land owned by the Fund.

He noted that the ongoing real estate developments are not affected by the order issued by the Ag. Commissioner, contrary to the misleading reports circulating on social media. NSSF will continue to use all legal means available to preserve its legal ownership and possession of the land at Lubowa and bring to book all perpetrators involved in any activities to perpetrate fraud against the Fund’s ownership.

“We reassure our members that the Fund is the registered proprietor of approximately 600 acres of freehold land in the Lubowa area, parceled out on 109 separate certificates of title. All original titles are registered in the name of the fund. Any other claim on this land is fraudulent and amounts to trespass. The Fund commits to using all legal means available to institute criminal proceedings against those involved in these land-grabbing activities,” he said.

 High Court in January ruled that part of the land at Nakigala and Lubowa was partly allocated to the current owners in error.

Four individuals, namely Kiggala Joseph, Steven Kikonyogo Saava, Fredrick Jjunju and Sirimani Sebirumbi sued the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Land Registration for refusing to issue land titles to them for the disputed land.

“The applicants prayed for the grant of relief for pf Mandamus to compel the 2^nd respondent issue certificates of title over the disputed land. It may indeed not be possible as noted earlier since this would cause some legal problems of double titling but the 2^nd respondent should harmonise the position or issue of ownership within reasonable time” reads Justice Ssekana ruling.

He continued “However, having found that the applicants had a legitimate expectation, the court will grant a declaration under section 36(1) (e) and 3 of the Judicature Act as follows:

It is declared that Yusuf Suuna Kiweewa’s land comprised in Mailo Register Volume 273 Folio was eligible for the issue of a certificate title under Block and plot, and his interest cannot be extinguished without payment of adequate compensation, unless there is proof that he has sold the land or dealt with it in any such manner that extinguished interest”

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Uganda Airlines has received approval from the UAE Civil Aviation Authority to operate direct flights from Entebbe to Abu Dhabi, subject to fulfilling necessary formalities.

This milestone was achieved after a meeting between the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi, led by Ambassador Zaake Kibedi, and the Director-General of the UAE Civil Aviation Authority.

“Uganda Airlines is expected to commence operating direct flights from Entebbe to Abu Dhabi, a move that will boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations,” said Amb. Kibedi.

He added that the airline is working diligently to complete the required formalities to start operations soon.

Uganda Airlines, which currently operates flights to several destinations in Africa, including Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; Juba, South Sudan; and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, is expanding its reach to the Middle East.

Uganda Airlines is also scheduled to meet with the top management of Etihad Airlines to discuss possibilities of signing a codeshare agreement. This partnership would enable both airlines to expand their regional and global reach, offering more options and convenience to passengers.

The direct flights between Entebbe and Abu Dhabi will not only reduce travel time but also increase economic and tourism ties between Uganda and the UAE.

Uganda Airlines’ expansion into the Middle East market is a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for air travel and cargo transportation.

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Uganda Baati has launched its 60^th anniversary campaign at a media event held in Kampala. Founded in 1964, Uganda Baati has been at the forefront of the steel manufacturing industry, introducing numerous advancements and achieving many firsts in Uganda and the region. It was the first company in the East African region to set up an ultra-modern Continuous Galvanizing line.

As one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of quality building solutions in the country, officials said they are proud to mark six decades of excellence, innovation, and quality in Uganda’s steel manufacturing industry.

The Board of Directors Chairperson, Dr. Alan Shonubi recounted the history of Uganda Baati’s journey since 1964. The press launch was held at their head offices on Mulwana Road in Bugolobi.

“Our journey goes back to the 1960’s, in Tororo, as a business entity called Steel Works Company. The steel and aluminum industry was so lucrative then with minimal competition to the point where demand for aluminum and steel products was greater than the supply. This led to the introduction of the first steel roll machine in the company where we manufactured and supplied different aluminum and steel products which even included saucepans,” Shonubi said.

“This went on for a while, before the setback in early August 1972 when the former President of Uganda Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of the Indians, giving the Asians 90 days to leave the country leaving several businesses and properties to be redistributed amongst the locals. As the events turned out, Idi Amin was overthrown and H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni invited the expelled Asians to return bringing back the vibrancy of the once-booming businesses in Uganda,” he explained.

He added: “We were the first in the East African region to install an ultra-modern Continuous Galvanizing line, a testament to our commitment to technological innovation and excellence. We became the first to introduce the ZincAL coating technology for all its roofing sheets to give the consumer the benefit of the product.”

Amon Aruho, the head of human resources at Uganda Baati said, “There are several factors, that have kept us in business for this long some of which is the support of our shareholders, government, stakeholders, and customers,” Aruho said.

All these have played a crucial role in ensuring that we uphold our standards and commitment to providing a sustainable roof over each household in Uganda, he added.

The company has navigated through economic fluctuations, changing government policies, shifts in consumer preferences, and other global challenges like the recent pandemic.

The 60th anniversary celebrations will be phased out in four themes during the year; Uganda Baati in the past, community, economy, and the future.

“We shall be collaborating with various stakeholders and engaging in various activities as we continue to tell our story, celebrate our history, and highlight our impact and contributions,” Aruho said.

Uganda Baati officials say their impact extends beyond the provision of trusted building solutions; it has been instrumental in job creation, with hundreds of Ugandans employed directly and thousands more benefiting indirectly through its extensive distribution network. Furthermore, through strategic partnerships and technological advancements, the company has consistently pioneered new products and services, setting benchmarks in the steel manufacturing sector.

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