In the mid-2000s, Major-General Kahinda Otafiire, then Minister for Lands, Water and Environment, found himself wading waist-deep inside a controversial wetland.
Specifically, he was accused of illegally owning land in the Nakivubo wetland, a critical ecological zone in Kampala. Responding to these claims, Otafiire vehemently denied the allegations, asserting, "You very well know that the only animals with a licence to live in the wetlands are frogs, tadpoles and fish. Am I a frog or do I look like a crocodile to live in a wetland?"
Further addressing the issue, Otafiire clarified that in 1991, while serving in the army in Bombo, the then Kampala Town Clerk, the late Serugendo, had identified a plot for him in Bugolobi.
However, Otafiire emphasized that he was unaware it was situated within a wetland and had not pursued the matter further.
He stated, "If it is still there, then whoever is interested in it should take it."
Nearly two decades later and Otafiire has changed ministries, body mass and many things but his name and land controversies remain intertwined. And his rebuttal is as classic as ever.
Gen Otafire, now Minister for Internal Affairs, has found himself again vehemently denying allegations that he illegally acquired land belonging to the former Njeru Livestock Farm in Mukono District.
Speaking to the press recently, Otafire dismissed the accusations as a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation and undermining public confidence in him.
“I purchased this land legally, following all the necessary procedures,” he said. “I acquired 50 acres on plot 3 and another 50 acres on plot 4. The land was not acquired as one large chunk, but rather from multiple individuals, with other people already owning plots between the initial plots. It's a complicated transaction, and I was the last to purchase my pieces.”
The allegations, circulating in certain media and social media outlets, claim that General Otafire used his ministerial position to seize the land.
However, he maintains that he purchased the land legally in 2016 through his lawyer, Sam Ahamya, and has presented documentation to support his claim.
General Otafire questioned the timing of the accusations, noting that they surfaced years after the land purchase, and suggested that those behind them had ulterior motives.
“I purchased this land as an individual, not as a minister,” he emphasized. “I did not use my ministerial position to acquire any government land. My involvement in this matter is as a private citizen who was legally involved in property dealings.”
He refuted claims that he used the military or his position to seize government property, insisting that the entire process was handled by his legal team in accordance with the law.
“I have never even stepped foot on the land since I bought it. Therefore, these accusations are utter lies and an attempt to demonise me,” he said.
According to General Otafire, the land was purchased in multiple transactions: 50 acres on plot 3 from the estate of the late Christopher Lule, represented by Enock Ssebbowa, and 50 acres on plot 4 from Fredrick Kato Lukwaju.
He noted that the government had only leased plot 2 and was later removed by court order for failing to pay rent.
The court mandated that titles be issued to the rightful owners, which was done. He further highlighted that several other individuals had previously acquired plots in the area, dispelling claims that he had seized the entire former farm.
“I'm surprised that I'm being singled out while others who bought land on the same plots are not mentioned. I have all the necessary documents to prove my legal ownership,” he said.
Addressing related allegations, General Otafire confirmed that he had leased 10 acres of the land to investors cultivating cannabis, but clarified that they had obtained government licenses for research purposes aimed at developing medicines.
“After I bought the land, I allowed investors to do business on some of the land, like growing cannabis for research. The government is aware of this, and it is done legally,” he said, denouncing claims of illegal activity.
Speaking on the matter, Sam Ahamya, Otafire’s lawyer, condemned the accusations as a witch-hunt.
He said his team had been addressing the matter for years and that some individuals had used the media to discredit the Minister.
Ahamya argued that responsible journalism requires thorough investigation before publication, asserting that the allegations lacked due diligence and proper research.
“I implore the media to investigate the issues before publishing any accusations. The truth will always prevail; we have the required documentation,” he said.
The case has been part of ongoing legal proceedings in Mukono Magistrate's Court. General Otafire noted that the court dismissed the case because the complainants failed to provide sufficient evidence.
He said he would continue to defend himself and urged anyone with questions to contact him directly rather than relying on media reports.
General Otafire remains confident that the allegations are baseless and maliciously intended. He has presented land titles and transaction records and expressed his readiness to cooperate with any investigations, calling for an end to what he perceives as a smear campaign.