Uganda COSASE: Amos Nzeyi Still Occupies NSSF Temangalo Land

• Businessman Amos Nzeyi continues to occupy 50 acres of land he sold to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) nearly two decades ago.
• Parliament's COSASE committee found farming and grazing on the disputed land during a recent inspection, despite NSSF holding the title.
• NSSF acquired the 463.87-acre Temangalo property in 2008 for approximately Shs11.2 billion, but a land swap agreement allowing Nzeyi to remain on part of it failed.
• The transaction has a history of controversy, including a 2008 parliamentary investigation and past ownership claims from a Canadian-based family that were dismissed by courts on limitation grounds.
• NSSF plans an affordable housing project on the site and states it issued an eviction notice to Nzeyi in 2026, but MPs are demanding an explanation for the prolonged occupation.

MPs are demanding a comprehensive explanation for why NSSF has been unable to secure vacant possession of land it purchased almost 20 years ago.

A parliamentary committee has uncovered that businessman Amos Nzeyi continues to occupy 50 acres of land in Temangalo, Wakiso District, nearly two decades after selling the property to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This revelation emerged during a recent physical inspection conducted by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), which is currently scrutinizing the NSSF's acquisition of the land and its plans for an affordable housing project. Despite NSSF holding the title to the property and having completed payment, the disputed portion remains under Mr. Nzeyi's use.

COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyinyi reported that Members of Parliament observed active farming and cattle grazing on the land during their visit. Although the entire property is fenced and registered under NSSF's name, the committee was unable to access the specific 50-acre section occupied by Mr. Nzeyi, having to stop at the perimeter fence. This particular parcel forms part of a larger 463.87-acre acquisition made by NSSF in 2008 from Mr. Nzeyi and Arma Limited, a company linked to former Security Minister Amama Mbabazi. The total transaction amounted to approximately Shs11.2 billion, valuing the land at about Shs24 million per acre.

NSSF has informed the committee that it issued an eviction notice to Mr. Nzeyi, with the Fund specifying that this action occurred in 2026, following the failure of land swap negotiations. However, MPs are demanding a comprehensive explanation for why NSSF has been unable to secure vacant possession of land it purchased almost 20 years ago. The ongoing COSASE NSSF land inquiry aims to establish the precise reasons behind the former vendor's prolonged occupation and the Fund's inability to obtain Amos Nzeyi vacant possession.

The Temangalo transaction has been fraught with controversy since its inception in 2008, when questions regarding the purchase price and potential conflicts of interest triggered a parliamentary investigation. A key aspect of the initial deal was a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that reportedly permitted Mr. Nzeyi to retain occupation of a segment of the property. This arrangement was contingent on a land swap that would allow him to preserve existing developments on the site. However, a suitable replacement parcel was never secured, leading to Mr. Nzeyi's continued presence on the 50 acres.

Further complicating the Uganda NSSF Temangalo land dispute, the property later became subject to additional ownership claims from a Canadian-based family. This family, associated with the former Temangalo Tea Estate, asserted an interest in a portion of the land, arguing that their historical rights had been adversely affected by changes to the lease following the expulsion of Asians during the regime of former President Idi Amin. While courts ultimately ruled in favor of NSSF and Mr. Nzeyi on limitation grounds concerning these specific claims, other investigations have continued to delve into various aspects of the property's historical ownership and title records. These persistent challenges underscore the complexities inherent in large-scale Uganda land transaction challenges.

Despite the protracted dispute over vacant possession, NSSF has designated the Temangalo property for a significant mixed-use affordable housing project. This ambitious development is planned to include residential units alongside essential commercial and social infrastructure. The Fund maintains that it holds valid titles to the entire property and has actively pursued steps to secure full vacant possession, including the aforementioned eviction notice issued to Mr. Nzeyi in 2026 after efforts to resolve the matter through a land swap failed.

Beyond the issue of Amos Nzeyi NSSF Temangalo land occupation, COSASE MPs also voiced concerns during their inspection regarding the proposed housing development itself. These concerns encompassed critical aspects such as the size of the rooms, the overall design, and the anticipated construction quality and workmanship. COSASE Chairperson Nkunyinyi indicated that the committee intends to seek detailed explanations from NSSF and other relevant parties concerning all issues identified during the inspection. These findings will contribute to COSASE's broader inquiry into NSSF's management of its land investments and the implementation progress of the Temangalo housing project, highlighting ongoing NSSF property acquisition issues and oversight requirements.

This story highlights the persistent challenges in securing vacant possession in large-scale land transactions in Uganda, even after title transfer and payment. Lawyers advising clients on property acquisitions, particularly those involving complex historical claims or public entities like NSSF, should note the importance of robust due diligence on actual occupation and the potential for protracted disputes requiring parliamentary oversight or enforcement actions. Compliance officers should review procedures for asset acquisition and enforcement of contractual terms to mitigate similar long-term exposures.

Source: Original reporting via The Independent (Uganda)