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The approximate value of an acre in the Kabanyolo area is about UGX 500 million
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By Our Reporter
KAMPALA - Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute in Kabanyolo (MUARIK) is at risk of losing 650 acres of prime land valued at UGX 325 billion unless urgent steps are taken to secure it, Parliament has been informed. The revelation came after the Auditor General’s report exposed encroachment on the university's land, with one individual already constructing a private school on a portion of the property.
MPs expressed serious concern over the potential loss, noting that the land remains unfenced and is susceptible to further encroachment. The approximate value of an acre in the Kabanyolo area is about UGX 500 million, making the total value of the exposed land significant. Muwanga Kivumbi, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, stating, “Government should provide funds to ensure that the Institute's land is fully secured and fenced off to guard against further encroachment.”
Muwanga Kivumbi
The University Administration acknowledged the encroachment and revealed that a legal battle is currently underway between Makerere University and the private school involved. Despite the ongoing court case, the lack of a boundary fence remains a critical issue, particularly along the Kabanyolo North side, where farm produce is frequently stolen. Financial constraints have delayed the university's efforts to construct a fence.
In addition to the land concerns, MPs raised alarms over the extremely low staffing levels at MUARIK. Out of an approved staffing structure of 235 positions, only 37 have been filled, leaving 83% of the positions vacant. The lack of adequate staff, particularly in key roles like Assistant Farm Manager for Livestock and Crops, threatens the institute’s productivity and efficiency.
Muwanga Kivumbi noted that the staffing shortage could lead to work overload, decreased productivity, and challenges associated with hiring temporary employees. The Kabanyolo Administration has urgently requested the recruitment of additional staff, including farm managers, a training coordinator, and at least 15 more security guards to protect the institute’s resources.
In a related event, Parliament directed Makerere University to recover UGX 127 million paid to a contract staff member at the College of Computing and ICT Training who absconded from duty. The delayed removal of the staff member from the university’s payroll resulted in payments for services not rendered, causing financial loss to the institution. PAC Chairperson Muwanga Kivumbi instructed the university to recover the funds within six months.
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