Former MP on the Spot over Isimba Compensation Claimed

The former MP reappeared before the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters following Monday’s interface where he demanded more compensation from government beyond the initial 750 million shillings paid to him. Kazibwe wanted the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to pay him an additional 88 billion shillings for the valuable rock on the land he sold which he said had other resources like sand and trees. According to Kazibwe, it was wrong for the Valuers to survey his land in his absence because they ended up undervaluing it. “Why did he go to my land without informing me, without my participation, what was the motive?” Said, Tom Kazibwe – Claimant. “Their way of doing things is not the same as your way or my way. So why do you think they could have done it in a day?” Said, Catherine Bamugemereire – Chairperson, Land Inquiry. “My Lord, I have seen government valuers doing work of SGR and they are counting item by item.”

However, the Commission quizzed Kazibwe on why he was claiming more compensation of rock which was lying idle even before the land was bought. “But he is the rock that was lying there dormant. It was not a business you stated it, the reports say the same thing, there was no economic activity going on.” “My Lord, if somebody is an owner of a property. I don’t think you have a right to dictate to him when he should use it.” Said, Tom Kazibwe – Claimant. “I have to sound like a normal person walking on the streets of Kampala, not like a person who is dreaming of getting golden eggs.” Said, Catherine Bamugemereire – Chairperson, Land Inquiry. The Commission marbled Kazibwe non-patriotic by delaying government programs. “What is very patriotic about wanting 88 billion shillings for 60 acres of land? I want to understand the patriotism behind that then I would discuss the word patriotism.” Said, Catherine Bamugemereire – Chairperson, Land Inquiry. “Patriotic people are in rural areas, they are there in rural areas. The unpatriotic people are here in Kampala.” On a lighter note, Kazibwe advised the Commission to avail lunch, tea, and some transport to all witnesses appearing before the Commission. “Witnesses are not given food, they are not refunded transport and we are helping the Commission to come up with very strong recommendations but we are left out. We are grateful for the water, yesterday I took and today I have taken.” Said, Tom Kazibwe – Claimant. The former MP further recommended that government desists from using private valuers who he accuses of doing shoddy work.