The Committee on Physical Infrastructure has launched an inquiry into businessman Godfrey Kirumira over allegations that his company has taken possession of 1.3 acres of land belonging to the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC).
The land sits directly in front of the Uganda Railways Headquarters in Kampala, opposite Victoria University.
The matter emerged during a committee meeting chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka on Thursday, 30 July 2026, where URC officials led by Managing Director Benon Kajuna appeared to respond to queries on missing railway wagons, disputed railway land, and procurement concerns.
Kajuna told legislators that the property was originally leased by the then Kampala District Land Board to Kampala City Council (KCC) for 99 years in 2000.
On 01 June 2006, KCC granted a five-year lease to Philadelphia Trade and Industry Limited.
According to Kajuna, the company later sought to convert the lease into a 99-year interest, but the process was not completed after a caveat was lodged over the property on 27 April 2012.
“There was an intention to extend the interest to 99 years but this did not happen. On 27 April 2012, a caveat was lodged over the property before completion of the proposed extension,” Kajuna said.
However, Hon. Mpaka challenged the explanation, saying the committee’s own search showed otherwise.
“We did a search as a committee yesterday and he (Kirumira) actually has 99 years on this land and he is MS Philadelphia,” Mpaka said.
Mpaka added that a search with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) revealed that Philadelphia Trade and Industry Limited is owned by members of the Kirumira family.
The committee said it will meet Kirumira over the matter.
On land management, Kajuna said URC had repeatedly written to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development seeking the return of land titles retained following the privatisation process, but had not received a response.
He warned that the corporation may be compelled to apply for special certificates of title using available documentation if the matter remains unresolved.
To safeguard its property, URC will undertake boundary reopening, title migration, re-surveys and action against illegal titles. Kajuna revealed that more than 24,600 encroachment cases have been identified along railway corridors.
Kajuna said government has invested over Shs100 billion for the rehabilitation of the metre gauge railway and Shs105 billion for the acquisition and rehabilitation of rolling stock and other critical railway infrastructure.
He said the investments are expected to improve freight operations, enhance passenger services, and restore confidence in rail transport as a cost-effective mode of moving cargo.
On safety, he added that URC has upgraded level crossings, installed boom barriers, deployed crossing guards at high-risk locations, and rolled out public awareness campaigns.
