Phaneroo International Ministries has strongly dismissed allegations of a land dispute with the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) in Naguru, describing the claims as “baseless” and misleading.
In a press statement released Thursday, the ministry said reports circulating on social media suggesting a standoff between the two entities were “unsubstantiated” and premised on misinformation.
“The information… is unfortunately baseless and premised on ignorance of the true facts,” the statement reads in part.
Phaneroo maintained that there is no deadlock, emphasizing that engagements between stakeholders are ongoing under a government-led framework.
According to the ministry, both it and UHI have been participating in discussions convened under the Naguru Medical Hub Development Masterplan, with the most recent meeting held on March 17, 2026, under the Uganda Land Commission.
“It is not true that there is a deadlock when engagements are ongoing,” the statement adds.
The church added that it supports a mutually beneficial coexistence with its neighbors and remains committed to dialogue.
Background
The dispute centers on land in Naguru earmarked for the expansion of the Uganda Heart Institute, including space for critical infrastructure such as generators.
UHI officials had earlier told Parliament that they were being denied access to part of the land, potentially delaying key developments. However, government, through the Health Ministry, has since called for dialogue, underscoring the importance of both healthcare infrastructure and stakeholder engagement.
Phaneroo has also defended its ownership of the contested land, stating that it was lawfully acquired and that there are no known irregularities.
“Ownership of the land by Phaneroo is therefore not contested,” the ministry said, adding that it retains full rights, like any legal entity in Uganda, to acquire and develop property.
The statement further indicated that land acquisition matters fall under the mandate of the Uganda Land Commission, which is best placed to provide official guidance if needed.
The ministry revealed that part of the confusion may stem from a planned road network under the Naguru Medical Hub Development Masterplan, which affects several developers in the area.
Phaneroo said it is among the most affected by the proposed infrastructure changes and clarified that discussions involving multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Lands and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), are ongoing.
“It would be inappropriate to accuse Phaneroo of delaying the Heart Institute’s developments when we are not in charge of the process,” the statement said.
Phaneroo also rejected claims that it had blocked critical infrastructure development at the Heart Institute, insisting it is not aware of any installations being set up on its portion of land beyond areas designated for planned roads.
The ministry described attempts to portray it as undermining government programs as “blackmail,” arguing that such claims ignore the broader consultative process underway.
Despite the dispute, Phaneroo reaffirmed its commitment to national development and community well-being.
“We remain steadfastly committed to the development and well-being of our community and the nation at large,” the statement concluded.
