KAMPALA – The tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, home to Uganda’s primary gateway, Entebbe International Airport, are brewing a storm of bureaucratic stubbornness and strategic land disputes. An in-depth investigation reveals a simmering clash between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) over prime land earmarked for crucial airport expansion. Years after a hefty payout meant to facilitate a relocation, the National Animal Genetics Resources Centre and DataBank (NAGRC&DB) remains firmly rooted, triggering accusations of obstruction and raising serious questions about government coordination and the future of Uganda’s aviation infrastructure.
Documents obtained by our investigative team, coupled with testimonies from parliamentary committee hearings, paint a picture of a protracted standoff. In August 2019, with ambitious plans to upgrade Entebbe Airport gaining momentum, UCAA identified 67.41 acres of land occupied by NAGRC&DB as essential for expansion. To pave the way, UCAA, in good faith, disbursed a substantial sum of Shs2.43 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture, the parent entity of NAGRC&DB. This payment was intended to facilitate NAGRC&DB’s smooth relocation to a larger 76.5-acre plot in Kyanuma village, Wakiso district.
However, nearly six years later, the promised move has not materialized. UCAA officials, in their submissions to the parliamentary committee on physical infrastructure, expressed growing frustration, citing “numerous reminders” that have been met with inaction. This failure to vacate the land, according to the committee’s report currently under scrutiny by the budget committee, is now a significant impediment to the airport’s much-needed expansion plans.
The parliamentary committee, led by deputy chairperson Tonny Awany, has seemingly run out of patience. Their report recommends a firm six-month ultimatum for NAGRC&DB to vacate the Entebbe land, effective upon the adoption of the report. “This should be enforced within six months… to clear way for UCAA to plan for the expansion of the airport,” the report states unequivocally.
UCAA spokesperson Vianney Luggya, when contacted, corroborated the committee’s findings. “Whatever is in the report is right. All those issues are correct, and I do not want to water them down,” he affirmed, highlighting the aviation authority’s agreement with the assessment of the situation.
Science vs. Expansion: A Delicate Balancing Act?
But the story doesn’t end with a simple case of bureaucratic inertia. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Major General David Kasura, offers a contrasting perspective, one rooted in the delicate science of animal genetics. He argues that relocating NAGRC&DB is not a straightforward logistical exercise.
“When we get animals, we first put them into quarantine until we are sure that they are safe. It is not a good thing to move them far. You might kill all the animals in the country,” Major General Kasura explained, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with transporting sensitive genetic resources.
His argument extends beyond mere logistics. “World over, genetic centres are located near the exit point, so that in case there is a problem with the animals, it is easy to get them before they mix with others,” he asserted, suggesting a strategic rationale for NAGRC&DB’s current location near the international airport. He emphasized the need to “factor science” into any relocation plans to safeguard the national animal population.
Intriguingly, Major General Kasura claimed to be unaware of the Shs2.43 billion payment made by UCAA in 2019, promising to “investigate the matter.” This claim raises eyebrows and fuels questions about communication and accountability within government ministries. If the Permanent Secretary, the administrative head of the ministry, is unaware of such a significant transaction, it points to a potential breakdown in internal processes.
A Pattern of Debt and Encroachment Hinders Aviation Growth
The clash over land is not the only challenge hindering UCAA’s operations and Uganda’s aviation ambitions. The parliamentary committee’s report also reveals a concerning trend of government entities accumulating substantial debts to the aviation authority. As of January 31st, these debts totaled a staggering Shs159.9 billion.
The list of debtor entities reads like a who’s who of government, including the Office of the President/State House (Shs1.7 billion), Parliament (Shs7.9 billion), the Ministry of Defence (Shs1.5 billion), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (a colossal Shs87.3 billion), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Shs1 billion), the Uganda Meteorological Authority (Shs770.6 million), the Ministry of Finance (Shs55.7 million), the Ministry of Works and Transport (Shs67.3 billion), and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (Shs24.4 million).
The committee rightly points out that this “failure by the entities to pay the debts owed to UCAA affects implementation of activities.” To address this crippling financial burden, the MPs have recommended that the Ministry of Finance establish a clear repayment plan, ensuring these agencies incrementally clear their debts within a period not exceeding three years.
Furthermore, the investigation uncovers another layer of complexity: widespread encroachment on UCAA land, not only at Entebbe but also at regional airports across the country. The committee noted with alarm that both titled and untitled UCAA land has been targeted by local communities and individuals. The problem appears particularly acute on untitled land.
The report highlights a historical anomaly: the land initially transferred to UCAA upon its creation in 1991 from the Uganda Land Commission doesn’t always match the actual size on the ground, leading to boundary disputes and leaving pockets of land vulnerable to encroachment during fencing.
While UCAA informed the committee of ongoing efforts to recover encroached land, the MPs have urged the authority to expedite the titling, proper demarcation, and fencing of all its land nationwide. They have also recommended pursuing legal redress, including forceful evictions where necessary, to reclaim illegally occupied land.
Regional Airports in Limbo: A Funding Crisis
Beyond the Entebbe land saga and the debt crisis, the investigation reveals a precarious situation facing Uganda’s 13 regional aerodromes. These aerodromes, vital for regional connectivity, trade, and tourism, are struggling with significant funding shortfalls for maintenance and development.
The parliamentary committee learned that while UCAA had budgeted Shs10 billion for aerodrome maintenance in the 2025/26 financial year, only Shs1.8 billion was allocated, leaving a gaping deficit of Shs8.1 billion. This underfunding raises serious concerns about the safety and operational efficiency of these crucial transportation hubs.
The committee emphasized the significant economic multiplier effect of well-maintained and fully operational regional airports, particularly for the tourism sector. They have strongly recommended that the government provide the additional Shs8.1 billion to bridge the funding gap.
Between the Lines: A Lack of Coordination and Prioritization?
This extensive investigation reveals a deeply concerning lack of coordination and potentially conflicting priorities within the Ugandan government. While UCAA strives to expand the country’s primary airport to meet growing demands and facilitate economic growth, another government entity, NAGRC&DB, seemingly resists a relocation that was financially provided for years ago.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s concerns about animal genetics are valid and require careful consideration. However, the delay in relocation, coupled with the Permanent Secretary’s claimed ignorance of the UCAA payment, suggests a breakdown in communication and a potential disregard for the strategic importance of the airport expansion.
The widespread debt owed to UCAA by other government entities further underscores a lack of financial discipline and inter-agency cooperation. This financial strain directly impacts UCAA’s ability to invest in infrastructure development and maintenance, hindering the growth of the aviation sector.
The encroachment on UCAA land points to weaknesses in land management and enforcement, potentially undermining the long-term strategic planning for airport development.
As Parliament scrutinizes the budget proposals and the committee’s recommendations, crucial questions remain unanswered:
- Why has NAGRC&DB failed to relocate despite receiving funds in 2019?
- Was a comprehensive environmental and scientific impact assessment conducted regarding the relocation of the animal genetics centre?
- Why is there such a significant communication gap within the government, as evidenced by the Permanent Secretary’s claimed lack of awareness of the UCAA payment?
- What concrete steps will the Ministry of Finance take to ensure government entities repay their massive debts to UCAA within the stipulated timeframe?
- How will the government ensure better protection and management of UCAA land to prevent further encroachment?
- Will the urgent funding needs of the regional aerodromes be addressed to prevent a decline in their operational capacity and safety standards?
The clash between the Ministry of Agriculture and UCAA over Entebbe land is more than just a bureaucratic squabble. It is a symptom of potentially deeper issues within government coordination and prioritization. As Uganda aims for economic growth and increased global connectivity, resolving these land disputes, addressing the debt crisis, and investing in aviation infrastructure are not just logistical necessities – they are crucial for the nation’s future prosperity. The coming months, as Parliament debates these critical issues, will determine whether a pragmatic balance can be struck between sectoral needs and national strategic objectives.
