Community Demands Probe into Alleged Fraudulent Acquisition of Kiswa Children’s Park Land

Bugolobi-Community leaders and residents of Kiswa Parish in Nakawa Division are up in arms over the alleged fraudulent acquisition of a beloved public space — the Kiswa Children’s Park — by private developers. The contested land, located in Kiswa Parish Zone 7, FRV Folio 18, Plot Number 17, Bunyonyi Drive, Bugolobi, Nakawa Division, has served the community for over six decades as a center for nurturing young talent in various sports disciplines. 

The land, believed to have been fraudulently converted into freehold and transferred through questionable transactions, is now reportedly under the ownership of Quolicoff Company Uganda Limited, linked to one Andrew Ssetimba Kaweesa. The community alleges that the land was initially grabbed by one Kayigonza Habomugisha, who then sold it to Giga Reality Associates. Giga Reality Associates subsequently sold it to Quolicoff, who mortgaged it to the Bank of India Uganda Limited — a move that has further complicated the land’s ownership status. 

Leading the campaign to reclaim the land is Team Rescue, a local pressure group composed of passionate community members. The team, led by Habassa Simon, includes Akello Sharon, Muhwezi Brian, Ssegujja Ali, Kajjubi Musa, Waiswa Musa, and their spokesperson Acidri Innocent.

They are calling for a full-scale investigation by the relevant government offices — especially the Registrar of Titles and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Land Registry — to probe:

Irregularities in Title Conversion:

The group questions how the land title was altered from its original status to a freehold title without following lawful procedures.

Authenticity of Transactions:

Team Rescue demands verification of all documents involved in the ownership transfer, raising concerns over forged or manipulated records.

Chain of Ownership:

The community wants to know the exact circumstances under which Habomugisha and subsequently Quolicoff Company Uganda Limited acquired the land.

Bank Involvement:

Residents also challenge the Bank of India Uganda Limited’s acceptance of the land as mortgage security, especially considering its long-standing use as a public recreational facility.

Mayor Mugambe and Political Leaders Speak Out

Joining the community in their protest is Nakawa Division Mayor, Paul Mugambe, who has pledged unwavering support to protect the park. He expressed dismay over how an individual could be granted a title for land that has served the public interest for generations.

“This park has been a vital space for talent development in our community for over 60 years. How can someone get a private title and claim ownership of such land?” Mayor Mugambe questioned. “I am standing with the residents and will be their voice until this land is returned to the community.”

Mayor Mugambe also criticized the Bank of India Uganda Limited for claiming UGX 650,000 from Quolicoff over a property valued in billions, urging the bank to reconsider its involvement in what he termed a “gross injustice to the people.”

Aspiring Member of Parliament for Nakawa East Constituency, Okwera Moses Mugisha, echoed similar sentiments. He appealed directly to the State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja, to urgently intervene.

“The Kiswa Children’s Park is public land. It should not be taken away by individuals through fraudulent means. I appeal to Minister Mayanja to protect this land from encroachers who seek to deny future generations a place to play, grow, and thrive,” Mugisha said.

The Rescue Team and local leaders are requesting the responsible government agencies to:

Launch a comprehensive investigation into all land transactions associated with Plot 17, Bunyonyi Drive, Bugolobi.

Revoke any fraudulent land titles and ensure accountability for those involved in irregular transfers.

Keep the community informed about the progress and findings of the investigation.

Restore the park to the community and protect it from further encroachment.

With rising cases of land grabbing in Uganda, the Kiswa Children's Park case stands out as a flashpoint for civil resistance against the privatization of public spaces. The community, backed by local leaders, remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and protection of what they describe as a vital “community heritage.”