Land probe quizzes immigration officials over citizenship status of investor

The Land inquiry commission yesterday quizzed Immigration Board officials to explain how an investor implicated in the grabbing of a piece of land in Makerere, Kagugube zone, obtained citizenship.

This followed complaint filed by 78 year old Rose Mary Nabukenya a resident of Makerere Kivulu in Kagugube Zone to the effect that Paresh Patel grabbed the land which was given to her by her late mother Maria Nalongo.

This the commission had invited government officials under in charge of citizenship registration and immigration control to explain more about the citizenship of Paresh Mauji Patel and how he got the land in Makerere Kagugube zone.

“’What is the process of denouncing the previous citizenship before you register to become a Uganda citizen?" asked Robert Ssebunya, a commissioner.

Cheborion Henric the Acting Director Citizenship and Immigration Control was tasked to explain the procedure that was followed by Paresh to get Ugandan citizenship.

"There are five types of citizenship and one of them is by registration through applying," Cheborion replied.

According to the assistant lead counsel, Andrew Odit , the form that Paresh had signed while applying for Ugandan Citizenship had some illegalities which the officers in immigration did not pay attention too.

Cheborion also told the commission that the directorate is operating without a fully constituted board to guide the officers in the execution of duties.

“The board has got only the chairperson but other the six members who are to make a full board of seven are not yet appointed. Cheborion said.”

While responding to Cheborion’s answer, Justice Bamugemereire tasked the officials to write to those responsible to appoint the full board.