The plan by government to compulsorily takeover people’s land before paying them may not come to pass as opposition MPs and some members of NRM are against such a move.
The opposition has gone a notch higher by announcing plans to traverse the country, sensitizing Ugandans on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2017.
Addressing journalists at Parliament on Thursday morning, Winfred Kiiza, the Leader of Opposition called on Ugandans to put their MPs on pressure to ensure the constitutional amendment bill is kicked out of Parliament.
The launch against constitutional amendments was also attended by Opposition MPs including Opposition Chief Whip Ibrahim Nganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, Angelline Osegge, Robert Centenary, William Nzoghu, Julius Ochieng and Francis Zaake.
“The law isn’t in good faith meant to dehumanize Ugandans because they are going to deprive Ugandans of their right to property,” Kiiza, who is also the Kasese woman MP said.
last week, Deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana tabled the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2017, seeking to make amendments to Article 26 of the constitution.
If passed in its current form, the Bill will give Government powers to compulsorily take over land for establishment of public infrastructure projects as it (government) handles payments.
Kiiza protested Government’s move to take over land for public development, noting that the same Government is chocking on debts.
“This is going to make harder for courts because Government intends to place money in court, for court to pass over to the owner. This is taking away the powers of courts. Courts aren’t supposed to be administrative units,” Kiiza said.
The Opposition highlighted the land in Naguru and Shimoni where Government displaced a school and residents to construct affordable housing units and first class hotel, but both projects have never seen light of the day.
Opposition MPs argue that the compulsory land acquisition will make corruption very normal because the country will have to rely and be at the mercy of the Government Valuer.
“It doesn’t matter how many you are, but what you are talking about. We may be few, but talking about a matter that is so dear and has entered deep to the bone marrow of Ugandans. Nobody is going to look about numbers,” Kiiza said responding to NRM’s numerical strength.
The group revealed that the sensitization gatherings will kick off in Masaka, Wakiso, Kampala and they intend to visit all the 21 sub regions in Uganda.
The MPs said Police has already been informed about the gatherings that will soon kick off in various parts of the country.
