Initially, Entebbe Municipality earmarked land in Manyago Village Entebbe municipality to host the land. However, the more than 150 occupants of land demanded for compensation worth Shillings 183 billion to vacate the land, which wasnt readily available.
The ground breaking ceremony for the proposed Mahatma Gandhi convention center in Entebbe hangs in balance following the failure by government to allocate land without any encumbrances.
The Indian Prime Minister, Nerandra Modi who is visiting Uganda on a two day state visit was expected to officiate at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the convention center on Tuesday.
However, the function has mysterious been deleted from his itinerary. Uganda partnered with India to construct a $79 million (Shillings 290 billion) convention center in Uganda in recognition of the founding prime Minister of India, Mahatma Gandhi.
Initially, Entebbe Municipality earmarked land in Manyago Village Entebbe municipality to host the land. However, the more than 150 occupants of land demanded for compensation worth Shillings 183 billion to vacate the land, which wasn't readily available.
Some of the tenants include Church of Uganda and children of former civil servants who worked in government after 1962. In May this year, the Bishop of Namirembe diocese, Wilberforce Luwalira stormed Entebbe municipal council seeking clarification on why the Municipality wanted to relocate St Mark Church of Uganda and instead give away land to construct a convention center.
The church had obtained a land title of the same piece of land. Last week, Charles Magumba, the Town Clerk Entebbe Town Clerk wrote to the residents of Manyago, saying government had resolved not to construct the convention center in the area.
Richard Ssekyondwa, the Deputy Mayor Entebbe Municipality, says government decided to relocate the construction to an alternative piece of the land in Nakigalala estate in Sisa Sub County in Wakiso District. The municipality also identified alternative land to host the center.
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The Deputy Mayor, Richard Ssekyondwa says the Municipality stands to lose if the construction of the convention center is transferred to another area.
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The convention center is expected to sit on a 32-acre piece of land. It is also expected to accommodate up to 5000 guests.
