Tension in Wakiso as Retired Judge Demands Shs450m Over Disputed Wetland

land dispute in Wakiso District has escalated after a court directed authorities to compensate a retired High Court judge, raising concerns over wetland protection, aviation security, and alleged abuse of office.

Tension is mounting in Wakiso District following a court directive ordering the district to pay Shs450 million to retired High Court judge Anup Singh Choudry in a dispute over land near Entebbe International Airport.

The controversy centers on a piece of land in Namiiro Wetland, which district leaders insist is a protected wetland, but which Choudry claims to legally own.

Addressing journalists, Wakiso District Chairperson Matia Lwanga Bwanika expressed frustration over the court’s decision, describing it as alarming and unjust.

“We refused to give out this wetland because it is a sensitive area, especially given its proximity to the airport. But surprisingly, we are now being compelled to compensate for the same wetland we stopped,” Bwanika said.

Bwanika, who appeared alongside his deputy Betinah Nantege and Natural Resources Officer Cate Namuddu, presented documents indicating that Choudry first sought access to the land in 2017.

According to the district leadership, the request was rejected following guidance from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and security agencies tasked with protecting the President, who warned that allocating the land to a private individual posed a security threat.

“Security agencies and Civil Aviation clearly advised that giving away this land would compromise national safety. That advice was ignored, and now the district is being punished for doing the right thing,” Bwanika added.

He accused the retired judge of using his former position to influence the acquisition of land titles.

“We believe the judge used his influence within the judiciary to obtain documents for this land. This raises serious concerns about abuse of office,” he said.

Bwanika also criticized the Office of the Attorney General for what he termed as inaction.

“This matter was handed over to the Attorney General’s office, but it has reached a point where government property is being lost. They must come out and explain themselves,” he said.

He emphasized that at least seven security agencies had previously objected to the allocation of the land, reinforcing the district’s position that it should remain protected.

However, Choudry’s lawyer, Ronald Mukundane, dismissed the district’s claims, insisting that the land is privately owned and not part of any wetland.

“The land in question is not a wetland as alleged. It legally belongs to our client, and due process was followed to acquire it,” Mukundane said.

Speaking by phone, Choudry defended himself and criticized authorities handling the matter.

“I will not be intimidated. I will fight this to the end. There is a lot of corruption among those investigating this case,” Choudry said.

He further argued that resistance from some officials is undermining national progress.

“As long as Uganda still has people who fight development, the country will not move forward,” he added.

The dispute has sparked wider debate over land management, environmental protection, and the role of public institutions in safeguarding national assets.