TAKEAWAYS

• The dispute centers on a planned road to access a proposed children’s heart hospital in Naguru.
• Phaneroo denies land grabbing allegations and insists on fair compensation for its members’ land.
• Apostle Grace Lubega calls for transparency, proper planning, and safety considerations in the project.

Apostle Grace Lubega, the founder of Phaneroo Ministries International, has come out to dismiss claims that the ministry is grabbing land in Naguru, insisting that the church is only demanding fair compensation and transparency in any proposed developments.

Speaking to his congregation, Lubega said reports portraying the ministry as obstructing development are misleading and driven by misinformation or deliberate attempts to damage its reputation. He clarified that Phaneroo is not opposed to infrastructure projects such as road construction but maintains that due process must be followed.

It should be noted that the church located in Naguru has for long been accused of being uncooperative whenever government or private developers express interest in the land, a claim Lubega pushed back against.

“But we are not grabbing anybody’s land. If a road is needed, let there be proper compensation for what people paid,” he said.

The pastor emphasized that the land in question belongs to members of the ministry who contributed funds to acquire it, and not to him personally. He stressed that it would be irresponsible stewardship to give it away without compensation.

Meanwhile, the issues surrounding this land are tied to a planned road project intended to facilitate access to a proposed children’s heart hospital in the area. While the hospital project has been widely welcomed due to its potential to improve specialized healthcare for children, the access road has become a point of contention over land ownership, compensation, and planning.

Lubega maintained that while the intention behind the hospital is noble, it does not justify bypassing legal procedures or compelling landowners to give up property without compensation.

Additionally, he also raised concerns about safety and planning, citing the terrain of the land, which includes a steep cliff. He warned that poorly planned road construction could endanger both motorists and nearby residents if proper assessments are not conducted.

Furthermore, he called for transparency, urging that any road plans be clearly shared to avoid conflicts with neighboring properties and ensure safety standards are met.

While acknowledging criticism from some sections of the public, Lubega urged followers to remain calm and prayerful, saying the ministry would not engage in unnecessary public disputes but would speak out when necessary.

“Phaneroo is not standing in the way of development,” he said. “But we will not be cheated even one inch.”