The war between Kampala Capital City Authority-KCCA and parliament over the ownership of CHOGM gardens has taken a new twist as Uganda Land Commission-ULC moves to grant parliament a land title. KCCA accuses parliament of encroaching on the CHOGM gardens for the expansion of its chambers.
In a November 22 letter addressed to the Clerk to Parliament, Jane Kibirige, the Director Physical Planning KCCA Moses Atwine directs parliament to halt the ongoing construction of the 180 billion Shillings Chamber, saying the building plan was never authorized by the Authority.
"Reference is made to approval no. 715/17 of your building application dated 3rd August 2017 to expand the existing Parliamentary Chambers on plots 13 -15 Parliamentary Avenue and 16- 18 Apollo Kaggwa Road.
Following our mandatory inspections conducted on your site on 13th November 2017, it was observed that the design for the new chambers had been altered." reads part of the letter signed Atwine.
He also notes that the planned development by parliament will encroach on the open space along Apollo Kaggwa road, which is currently used as CHOGM gardens.
The City Authority also noted that part of the roof on the eastern side of the revised structure will hang over the reserve of Siad Barre road.
Chris Obore, the Director Communications and Public Affairs in Parliament, has confirmed the developments saying parliament applied for the CHOGM garden land so that it can be used by its visitors.
However, Peter Kaujju, the KCCA Spokesperson, says the Authority in Charge of Planning and approving any construction plans. "We have been in touch with Parliament and guided them on what needed to be done. So, I am wondering what the connection is between approval for the plan and them asking for a title. It's an issue of planning and we guided them on what needed to be done," said Kaujju.
Asked what the Authority's guidance was to parliament, Kaujju asked for more time, saying he was held up in a meeting.
KCCA approved the expansion of the parliamentary chambers on plots 13 -15 Parliamentary Avenue and 16- 18 Apollo Kaggwa Road on August 3rd 2016.