Kayunga Orphanage Land Project Faces Scrutiny Amidst Allegations and Political Maneuvering – How RDC Mariam Nalubega Is Trying To Steal Orphanage Land

KAYUNGA, Uganda – A proposed Shs1.5 billion Children and Women’s Hospital in Nalusanja Village, Kayonza Sub-county, has become the center of a contentious land dispute, with developer Penina Awori asserting her legal ownership and denying accusations of property destruction, while the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) faces claims of exploiting the situation for personal gain.

Ms. Penina Awori, the proprietor of the ambitious project, maintains that she acquired the 100-acre parcel of land in 2016 through a legitimate transaction, never encountering any squatters or existing structures on the property at the time of purchase. Awori’s legal team asserts that she holds a valid title deed for the land, which was part of a larger 637-acre estate owned by Rev. Blasius Tasobya.

Contrary to widespread allegations, Awori vehemently denies any involvement in the destruction of homes or crops.

She emphasizes that she has never personally razed any property belonging to residents, challenging those making such claims to provide concrete evidence. Awori states that any individuals found on the land after her acquisition were there without legal standing, and that she offered compensation to a few individuals through local council leaders, as a gesture of goodwill, not an admission of liability.

The dispute escalated following a meeting on Sunday, April 6, 2025, where local leaders, including Bbale County MP Charles Tebandeke and Kayunga RDC Mariam Seguya, intervened to halt the project.

While the RDC has publicly condemned the alleged destruction of property and ordered the removal of private security personnel from the site, sources close to the matter suggest that Ms. Seguya’s actions may be driven by a calculated attempt to seize a portion of the land herself, under the guise of championing the rights of the community.

Insiders claim that the RDC is exploiting the sensitivity of land issues to garner public support and potentially benefit from the dispute.

Ms. Awori confirmed that she purchased the land while in the United States, relying on assurances from the seller that only a minimal number of tenants, specifically three, occupied the vast 100-acre plot. She argues that those now claiming tenancy have no legitimate documentation to support their assertions.

“All the people claiming to be tenants have no documents to support their claim,” Awori stated, adding, “I compensated some of them through the area LCs. If necessary, we will go to court—I have my legal team ready.”

Despite the legal documentation held by Awori, local leaders, including MP Tebandeke, have questioned the validity of the sale transaction, suggesting it could be fraudulent. However, Awori maintains that she followed due process and acquired the land in good faith.

The ongoing standoff threatens to derail a project that Awori insists will significantly benefit the community, providing crucial healthcare services and an orphanage. She cautioned that any delays would ultimately harm the very people the project aims to serve.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the legal standing of all parties involved and the true motivations behind the escalating land conflict.