By Hannah Marion Namukasa
In a dramatic twist in a long-running land dispute, the High Court has ordered Dr. Freddrick Njuki, a key witness and complainant, to provide proof of Ugandan citizenship amid allegations of fraudulent land acquisition involving Watoto Childcare Ministries.
Justice Christine Echookit Akello of the Land Division issued the directive, compelling Dr. Njuki to present certified documents, including a Ugandan passport or National Identity Card, as part of proceedings in the 13-year-old case. The case centers on the contested ownership of 179 acres of land in Lube and Sekomangwa villages in Kakiri, Wakiso District.
Dr. Njuki, who appeared in court via Zoom, is suing Watoto Childcare Ministries alongside his brother, Steven Ian Nsubuga, Ann Nsubuga, and the Commissioner for Land Registration. He claims the land, originally owned by his late father, Eric Gganja Kiyuba Njuki, was fraudulently sold by his brother to Watoto Childcare Ministries using forged documents.
The court’s latest order reverses an earlier decision by Justice Philip Odoki, who had dismissed a similar application to compel Dr. Njuki to present his citizenship documents. The application, filed by lawyers Ronald Oine and Lastone Gulume representing Watoto Childcare Ministries, asserts that Dr. Njuki lost his Ugandan citizenship upon acquiring American citizenship before Uganda’s dual citizenship law was enacted.
Despite opposition from Dr. Njuki’s legal team, led by Francis Tumwesigye—who argued that the issue had already been decided by Justice Odoki—Justice Akello ruled the matter crucial to the integrity of the case, stating the court must first determine if Dr. Njuki is legally Ugandan.
The court also admitted new documentary evidence suggesting that Watoto Childcare Ministries is a foreign entity and, under Ugandan law, cannot legally acquire or own mailo land.
Dr. Njuki has accused Watoto Childcare Ministries and his brother of colluding in a fraudulent land deal. He claims that some of his original court documents were removed without his consent by former lawyers, prompting him to appoint a new legal team.
According to the suit filed in 2012, Dr. Njuki argues that the sale of the land was illegal as Steven Nsubuga was not the rightful owner. He seeks a court declaration recognizing him as the rightful owner of 50% of the land and wants all registrations transferring the land to Watoto Childcare Ministries annulled. He is also requesting an order to restrain the defendants and their agents from interfering with the property.
Watoto Childcare Ministries, in its defense, denies any wrongdoing. The organization claims it conducted proper due diligence before purchasing the land from Nsubuga in 2010. Their lawyers argue that no squatters were found during a boundary-opening exercise and that the land was legally registered in Nsubuga’s name at the time of the sale.
Furthermore, Watoto Childcare Ministries has filed a counterclaim against Nsubuga, demanding a refund of UGX 800 million with 30% interest, citing disruptions and damages incurred due to the ongoing legal battle.
The case continues to unfold, with the citizenship status of Dr. Njuki now a pivotal factor in the court’s next steps.
