Masiga Defends UGX 85 Billion TRIDI Investment, Calls Accountability Claims Baseless

Rt. Hon. Dr. Clet Wandui Masiga, Executive Director of the Tropical Institute of Development Innovations (TRIDI) and Deputy Prime Minister of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, has dismissed allegations of accountability challenges surrounding an estimated UGX 85 billion joint investment between TRIDI and the Government of Uganda, describing the claims as unfounded, baseless and misleading.

Speaking to our reporter on Tuesday, Dr. Masiga said there are no accountability issues concerning the investment, arguing that the controversy stems from attempts by individuals and institutions to interfere with or take control of investments they have no ownership rights over.

According to Masiga, the dispute is largely connected to the location of the investments on land over which certain parties have claimed an interest.

“The matter arose from attempts by certain individuals and institutions to interfere with or take control of investments that do not belong to them simply because those investments are located on land in which they claim an interest,” Masiga said.

He maintained that TRIDI's occupation of the land and the investments established on it were lawful, explaining that the organisation has occupied the land as a tenant and made substantial investments in reliance on that arrangement.

Masiga Says Presidential Intervention Helped Resolve Dispute

Masiga further revealed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni became interested in the matter and intervened with the aim of finding a resolution to the dispute.

He said that following the President's intervention, TRIDI's current concern is to obtain guidance from the Office of the Attorney General on the appropriate legal and administrative steps required to formally conclude the matter.

“Our current concern is simply to obtain guidance from the Office of the Attorney General on the appropriate steps to be taken to formally conclude and close the matter,” he said.

Masiga stressed that TRIDI does not intend to prolong the dispute, but instead wants the outstanding issues addressed through the established legal and institutional processes.

Sheema Investments Valued at UGX 20 Billion

The TRIDI Executive Director also disclosed that the organisation's investments and associated rights in Sheema District alone are valued at approximately UGX 20 billion.

He said the valuation encompasses not only physical investments but also intellectual property, innovations and other resources that he personally contributed, alongside Government support extended to him in his capacity as an innovator.

Masiga argued that the value of the investments should be recognised and protected regardless of the ownership claims concerning the land on which they are located.

He warned that any party seeking to take over or assume control of the investments should be prepared to compensate him fully for their value.

“These are not assets that can simply be taken because they happen to be located on land over which another party asserts an interest,” he said.

Masiga specifically mentioned Sheema Local Government and other interested parties, saying that any attempt to acquire, take over or assume control of the investments and associated rights should follow due legal process and include appropriate compensation.

Court Order Protects Investments

Masiga also pointed to an existing court order restraining the Attorney General and/or his servants or agents from interfering with the investments until the matters before the courts are concluded.

He called on all parties involved in the dispute to respect the authority of the courts and allow the judicial process to run its course.

“We expect all relevant parties to respect the authority of the Court and to follow the proper legal process,” Masiga said.

He explained that the existence of the court order reinforces TRIDI's position that no party should interfere with the investments outside the legal framework.

Commitment to Protect Intellectual Property and Innovations

Masiga said he remains committed to protecting the investments, intellectual property and innovations developed through his personal contribution and Government support.

He emphasised that while he intends to safeguard the interests associated with the investments, he also respects the institutions of the Republic of Uganda and the rule of law.

“At this stage, therefore, our intention is not to prolong the matter,” he clarified.

He said TRIDI is instead seeking the necessary guidance from the Office of the Attorney General on how the file can be formally closed and outstanding matters concluded in accordance with the resolution reached following the President's intervention.

Accountability Claims Rejected

The controversy over the estimated UGX 85 billion investment has raised questions about accountability and ownership, but Masiga strongly rejected suggestions that the joint investment is facing accountability problems.

He insisted that the claims should not be confused with the separate dispute concerning land and the rights of different parties over the property where some of the investments are located.

According to Masiga, the central issue is the protection of investments that were lawfully established and the recognition of the rights attached to those investments.

He maintained that the value of the investment goes beyond physical structures and assets, incorporating innovations, intellectual property and other contributions developed over time.

As Executive Director of TRIDI and Deputy Prime Minister of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Masiga said he will continue to pursue the matter through lawful channels while protecting the interests of the investments and innovations under his stewardship.

The latest development places emphasis on obtaining formal guidance from the Attorney General's office and ensuring that any resolution respects existing court orders, the rights of the parties involved and the rule of law.