Leaders from a group of people currently occupying former Indian properties in Jinja Municipality have threatened to drag the district Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Richard Gulume for allegedly blackmailing and disregarding the activities of their association.
During an impromptu meeting that was convened by the chairman of the group known as Jinja Tenants Association, the composition of the association is out of context and some of the leaders have indulged in dubious activities aimed at exploiting, conning and extorting the unsuspecting tenants,” the RDC said.
Mwase consequently warned the public against dealing with the leaders of the association saying they were conmen exploiting the prevailing circumstances to enrich their selfish desires.
However during the meeting, the chairman of tenants Mwase said their association was lawful and has all the legal documents supporting its existence and activities.
“This association was formed way back in 1990 to purposely defend tenants of custodian board buildings in Jinja, whoever says we are illegitimate is mistaken and should consult relevant offices, ” Mwase added.
Kafuko, the spokesperson of the association and also a former mayor of Jinja accused the RDC of recommending his sons and relatives to acquire various buildings in Jinja.
“We know that Mr Gulume recommended his elder son Allan Ndhala to acquire plot 16 on Bell Avenue but we had kept quiet courteously out of respect,” he said.
Members also alleged that Gulume allocated several other plots in Jinja to his relatives other plots. They named plot 27 on Iganga road, plot 16 on Bell Avenue, 42 on Wilson Avenue, plot 13 on Kawunye lane, plot 16 on Gabula Road, and plot 23 on Hajji Tamachi road.
When approached, Gulume has consistently however denies and instead accuses the leaders of corning people of their money.
“All custodian buildings in Jinja are still under government control and whoever wants to acquire one has to follow the right procedures as opposed to illegal associations” RDC clarified.
He admits recommending someone, who is a Ugandan to acquire plot 27 on Bell Avenue but the deal went sour and was later for failing to raise the money required by the board.
