Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
By Nelly Otto – Jinja
Butembe County MP David Livingstone Zijjan is facing allegations of fraudulently acquiring a 3-acre piece of land that Mada Holdings Uganda Ltd — operators of Jinja Nile Resort — claims to have legally owned and occupied for nearly two decades.
The contested land has since been transferred to the twin children of Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Annet Anita Among, raising political temperatures and escalating a dispute now threatening to reach President Yoweri Museveni’s desk.
The resort bosses, situated on the banks of River Nile, claim that Zijjan used fraudulent means to obtain a certificate of title for the land.
THE ALLEGATIONS
According to company director Rakesh Pant, Mada Holdings purchased the land on 30 April 2007 from the late James Kiili, a transaction witnessed by, Martha Apolot (M/S Okalang Law Chambers, late Emmanuel Bangaya (then LC1 chairperson), Regina Chandiru (wife to the late Kiili) and other local witnesses.
The company says it has been in peaceful possession ever since.
But on 19 June 2025, a group of youth reportedly stormed the property, ordered hotel guards to vacate, and claimed new ownership. Mada Holdings filed a report under Vide Ref: 144/19/06/2025 (later CRB 455/2025).
Days later, on 23 June 2025, a counter-case was filed by Joseph Igodobe,a resident of Wanyange, Northern Division in Jinja City and brother to MP Zijjan, claiming criminal trespass Vide SD ref: 127/23/6/2025 later CRB 456/2025 by the hotel.
POLICE INVESTIGATION
Jinja CID detectives led by D/SP Loy Gift Namono visited the scene, recorded statements, and interviewed local leaders.
Community members told police that for over 15 years, the land had always been known as part of the hotel property. Survivors of the late Kiili reaffirmed that he originally bought the land in 1991 from Benjamin Joseph before selling to Mada Holdings in 2007.
MP Zijjan was later summoned by Jinja CPS to record a statement in perso. He , however, told police he bought the same land on 13 May 2025 from Pande Sosupateli and Jessica Nakiwala, a transaction witnessed by Rwabugaire Dan Advocates.
MP Zijjan
The land certificate of title he paraded indeed bears the names of Pande Sosupateli and Jessica Nakiwala who allegedly sold it to Mp Zijjan.
Upon interrogation, Pande and Nakiwala told investigators that they were allegedly induced with Shs4million each to sign documents whose implications they reportedly did not fully understand. This publication could not independently verify this allegation.
When RedPepper contacted Zijjan, he dismissed all claims in a phone interview. “I buy and sell land with credible and genuine documents and people.So, whoever is linking my name to such allegation does not know that I am an honest and transparent person,” he said.
He insisted he legally bought the land from Pande and Nakiwala, with no encumbrances.
The land in question
TRANSFER TO SPEAKER AMONG’S TWINS
Investigators were shocked to discover that on the same day ( 19 June 2025) Mada Holdings reported the attack, MP Zijjan sold the disputed land to the twin sons of Speaker Anita Among and husband Moses Magogo.
The freehold title LAF JJ/4387, Volume JJA1169 Folio 4 has already been transferred into the names of the minors born 19 October 2023, according to the transfer form obtained by RedPepper. The photos of the twins whose names have been withheld, also appear on the transfer form seen.
Mada Holdings claims this was a calculated move to frustrate an active investigation.
FRUSTRATED HEARINGS & DELAYED JUSTICE
Mada Holdings says it sought a public hearing with the Commissioner Land Registration, but twice Zijjan’s representatives failed to appear, even as further transfers were reportedly proceeding in the background.
Rakesh Pant expressed frustration: “It seems some individuals are too powerful and can bypass all systems. Even government officials fear to act.”
He accused powerful actors of frustrating Uganda’s investment climate, despite President Museveni’s calls to protect investors.
Zijjan, however, insists:“I have never handled any land matter connected to Mada Holdings.”
Mada Holdings says it will petition President Museveni. “We badly need this land for expansion because we have innovations that require more space and the fact that we injected money is a good enough factor that will not allow us to surrender,” Rakesh vowed.
JINJA — A HOTBED OF LAND WARS
Jinja City has increasingly become a hotspot for high-profile land disputes — rivaled only by Wakiso and Kampala. Insiders say powerful public officials often feature prominently in these conflicts. Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori region Minister Alice Kaboyo , once convicted of Gavi funds theft , I apparently embroiled in a fight with Madhivani family over the ownership of Rippon Falls Hotel.
Now the involvement of Speaker Among — the third-highest office holder in Uganda — has further inflamed public interest.
When RedPepper visited the disputed plot, guards and local residents confirmed that Mada Holdings remains in full possession of the land, with 24-hour security stationed on site but this situation can easily change given that those claiming the land are powerful.
GOT A HOT STORY? CALL/TEXT/WHATSAPP: 0777959024 or EMAIL: redpeppertips@gmail.com
About Post Author
Post navigation
