The Justice Catherine Bamugemereirwe led Commission into land issues was probing circumstances into which 190 hectares of Nonve Central Forest Reserve were transferred to real estate developer Hajji Haruna Semakula. The Commission faulted Wakiso District Land Surveyor Dr. Batume Kizito Joseph for allowing the illegal takeover of the reserve land. “You had no capacity to protect this Central Forest Reserve? are you still fit to be in that office? “I am fit to be in that office, my Lord.” answered DR Kizito.
Assistant Counsel John Bosco Suuza challenged Dr. Kizito on why he never questioned the ownership of this huge chunk of land before issuing instructions to have it surveyed. “An application to survey land as vast as 190 hectares not far from the capital does not question your mind? you are not fit to be in that office.” My Lord, am fit to be in that office because the processing of surveying and acquiring a certificate or title is not a one-man process.” Replied DR kizito.
In his response, Kizito said he didn’t find it necessary since there were several Ugandans owning such huge chunks of land. Dr. Kizito insisted he wasn’t aware the land was a forest reserve. “The surveyors took advantage of our processes and maybe went beyond what we had authorized and checked at initial checking.” This insistence surprised Commissioners who subsequently questioned his integrity and responsibility. “By putting your signature on those papers, something wrong was done and the country lost its property.”
“...but as long as we have people who can justify giving our forest because they claim to lack a word of ..what is it called.... You know, you are going to give out everything.” Said, Justice Catherine. “Did you consult with the the Physical Planner and showed him that we have received this red flag, can you verify whether the clearance you gave is still correct, did you do that before you responded?”
Justice Catherine Bamugemereirwe also questioned Dr. Kizito on the properties he owns amongst them a multi-billion Hotel in Wakiso Town Council and several chunks of land in Nansana Municipality. “The evidence we have is that you people made Wakiso district land a cash cow from which you the district are feared in fact, you are feared. You Dr. Batume people are scared of you, if any public servants can talk to you now is because the Commission is in place but the only people who could talk to you; are people who have access such Mr. Kyeyune, such as Haruna, people who came with money bags, people who had power otherwise everybody else is scared of you.” Said, Justice Catherine. The Commission was to continue following day with more witnesses.
