Parliamentary Committee to Grill Tycoon Godfrey Kirumira Over URC Land Grab Allegations

Members of the Physical Infrastructure Committee have raised serious concerns regarding the alleged encroachment on Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) land by a company associated with prominent businessman Godfrey Kirumira. The committee, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, heard during a meeting with URC officials on July 30, 2026, that the company, Philadelphia Trade and Industry Limited, is purportedly occupying a 1.3-acre plot directly opposite the URC headquarters in Kampala.

URC Managing Director Benon Kajuna informed the committee that the land was initially leased to Kampala City Council (KCC) for 99 years in 2000, with KCC subsequently granting a five-year lease to Philadelphia Trade and Industry Limited in 2006. Kajuna stated that while the company intended to extend its lease to 99 years, this process was never finalized due to a caveat lodged on the property in 2012.

However, Hon. Mpaka presented findings from a committee investigation, asserting that their search at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) revealed that Philadelphia Trade and Industry Limited, identified as being owned by members of the Kirumira family, currently holds a 99-year lease on the disputed land. The committee is expected to call Kirumira to provide his account of the matter.

Separately, URC officials highlighted ongoing challenges in land management, including difficulties in reclaiming land titles held by the Ministry of Finance since a privatization process. The corporation plans to undertake measures such as boundary reopening and legal action against illegal titles to safeguard its remaining land, having identified over 24,600 encroachment cases along railway corridors.

The meeting also touched upon significant government investments exceeding Shs 200 billion in the rehabilitation of the metregauge railway and rolling stock, aimed at boosting freight and passenger services. Additionally, URC is implementing enhanced safety measures across the network to reduce accidents and restore confidence in rail transport.

Information regarding the alleged land dispute involving businessman Godfrey Kirumira and the Uganda Railways Corporation was detailed in a report from the Parliament of Uganda.