Dr. Clet Wandui Masiga, the Executive Director of the Tropical Institute of Development Innovations (TRIDI), has trashed allegations that the joint investment between TRIDI and the Government of Uganda is facing accountability issues describing the information as unfounded, baseless, and misleading.
Speaking to our reporter on Tuesday, Dr Masiga noted that the joint investment between TRIDI and the Government of Uganda is approximately UGX 85 billion and there are no accountability issues regarding this investment.
‘’The matter arose from attempts by certain individuals and institutions to interfere with or take control of investments that do not belong to them simply because those investments are located on land in which they claim an interest’’, said Masiga.
He added that their occupation of the land and the investments thereon were lawful and they have been on the land as tenants, and substantial investments have been made in reliance on that lawful arrangement.
‘’I also wish to clarify that H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda became interested in the matter and intervened to have it resolved. Following that intervention, our current concern is simply to obtain guidance from the Office of the Attorney General on the appropriate steps to be taken to formally conclude and close the matter’’, he added.
Masiga noted that the investments and rights associated with TRIDI in Sheema alone are valued at approximately UGX 20 billion which includes the investments, intellectual property, innovations and other resources that he has personally contributed, in addition to Government support that was extended to him as an innovator.
‘’Therefore, if Sheema Local Government or any other interested party wishes to take over, acquire or otherwise assume control of these investments and associated rights, they should be prepared to compensate me fully for their value. These are not assets that can simply be taken because they happen to be located on land over which another party asserts an interest’’, Masiga further noted.
There is also a Court Order restraining the Attorney General and/or his servants or agents from interfering with their investments until the matters before the Courts are concluded.
‘’We expect all relevant parties to respect the authority of the Court and to follow the proper legal process.At this stage, therefore, our intention is not to prolong the matter. We are seeking the necessary guidance from the Office of the Attorney General on how the file should now be formally closed and the outstanding issues concluded, in accordance with the resolution reached following the intervention of H.E. the President’’, Masiga clarified.
He pledged to continue protecting the investments, intellectual property and innovations developed through his personal contribution and Government support, while respecting the institutions of the Republic of Uganda and the rule of law.
