This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
Uganda's Minister of Finance, Mr Matia Kasaija, is set to present a detailed report on Uganda's assets in Kenya to Parliament, amid concerns that some of these assets risk being taken over by the Kenyan government.
The report comes in response to a section of lawmakers who have expressed fears that several properties managed by Uganda Property Holding Ltd are at risk of being seized.
The properties in question are located in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu, and include a chain of warehouses, leased buildings, and land.
On November 14, Parliament rejected a statement by the Cabinet calling for the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the East African Community, and vowed to boycott the celebrations slated for November 30 unless the government explains the status of Uganda's assets in Kenya and Uganda's relationship with sister states in the regional bloc.
According to a statement obtained by Daily Monitor, the government claims unfettered ownership of its property in Kenya and elsewhere.
Mr Kasaija stated that in 1998, the government incorporated the Uganda Property Holding Ltd to manage all real estate properties abroad belonging to the government of Uganda.
He noted that the company was given 22 properties in Mombasa, Kenya, four residential houses in London, two warehouse complexes in Uganda, and silos in Masese in Jinja.
Today, the company owns 23 properties in Kenya, including 11 warehouses, a carport, two office blocks, three commercial blocks, and four residential houses, as well as two yards.
Mr Kasaija emphasized that all titles to these properties are in government custody, with the exception of five properties that have a remaining lease period of six to seven years.
