The Government has called for dialogue between the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) and Phaneroo International Ministries over a contested piece of land in Naguru, as debate intensifies over national priorities between healthcare and worship.
Speaking to the New Vision, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng urged both parties to pursue negotiations, emphasizing the critical importance of the Heart Institute.
“The best is for the two sides to sit down and negotiate because as a country, we need the Uganda Heart Institute—all of us. Even those who pray from there need the Uganda Heart Institute,” she said.
Dr. Aceng noted that the Institute is seeking only a small հատված of land—reportedly within its designated area—to establish key infrastructure, including a generator powerhouse. She also raised concerns about noise levels from nearby activities, stressing that a cardiac facility requires a quiet environment for patients.
“You cannot tamper with the heart… we will find a solution,” she added.
Parliament Raises Alarm
The issue gained traction in Parliament after Bukomansimbi North MP Christine Ndiwalana raised concerns that Phaneroo Ministries had obstructed construction and taken over part of the land.
Earlier, on April 7, UHI Executive Director John Omagino told the House Committee on Health that the Institute had been denied access to land earmarked for installing generators to support its 10-acre facility.
“We need vacant possession to move on,” Omagino said, noting that suppliers had already installed generators and were demanding payment.
He added that the matter had been escalated to the Ministry of Lands, with surveyors engaged to reassess boundaries and resolve the impasse.
Historical Context of the Land
The disputed land is part of the former Nakawa–Naguru housing estate, which was leased in 2007 to OPEC Prime for redevelopment into a satellite city. After the project stalled, the Government terminated the agreement in 2018 and repossessed the land through the Uganda Land Commission.
Subsequently, portions were reallocated to various developers, including Phaneroo Ministries, sparking controversy.
In 2020, Yoweri Museveni directed that 10 acres be allocated to UHI to establish a centre of excellence for cardiac care.
According to UHI, part of its land—approximately 0.89 acres—was surrendered to create an access road, inadvertently affecting adjoining plots, including land held by Phaneroo.
Sticking Point: Compensation vs Access
UHI officials argue that residual land identified by surveyors was later reassigned to the Institute. However, Phaneroo has reportedly resisted releasing the land without prior compensation.
“They insisted they want compensation before they can allow us access,” Omagino told MPs.
A communication official from Phaneroo, speaking anonymously, maintained that the church’s land ownership is clear and lawful.
“We have no disputes with any of our neighbours… we regularly meet to address issues under the Naguru development master plan,” the official said.
The ministry advised that any concerns regarding ownership should be directed to the Ministry of Lands.
This dispute has sparked wider public debate, with many framing it as a question of balancing critical healthcare infrastructure against religious expansion.
With government now pushing for mediation, the outcome could set an important precedent for how Uganda navigates competing land use priorities in rapidly developing urban areas.
