Otafiire Accuses Rwamirama of Selective Narrative in Njeru Stock Farm Land Dispute

Water and Environment Minister General Kahinda Otafiire has intensified his defense of his land claim at the disputed Njeru Stock Farm, directly challenging State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama's narrative. Otafiire accused Rwamirama of providing a selective and misleading account of the property's ownership history in a public statement released Thursday.

The controversy surrounds over 1,000 acres of land in Buikwe District, managed by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). Government agencies maintain that parts of this land were irregularly allocated to private individuals, leading to overlapping titles that require review. The dispute has escalated beyond a legal contest into a political confrontation involving ministers, Parliament, and the Presidency.

President Museveni has previously directed the Attorney General and the Ministry of Lands to investigate the disputed titles. Rwamirama has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the stock farm. However, Otafiire maintains that his land was legitimately purchased from private estates and does not constitute part of the government facility. He claims to have bought land on former Plots 3 and 4 in 2016 from the estates of the late Enoka Sebowa and Guster Seruwo.

Otafiire's latest statement builds on his earlier rejection of land-grabbing accusations. He previously informed President Museveni that his property is located on Block 295, Plots 280 and 283 Bukaya, distinct from Plot 2, where he states the stock farm is situated. He accused Rwamirama of being misled and lied to about the stock farm's facts. Otafiire used an African proverb to frame his critique, suggesting he would not engage in a futile "barking contest" with Rwamirama or certain media outlets.

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When you are on a journey and encounter a barking dog, do not stop to engage it in a barking contest.