Property mogul Sudhir Ruparelia has denied claims that he illegally repossessed government properties previously owned by the Departed Asians.
Sudhir Ruparelia who also doubles as the Honorary Consul for Nepal to Uganda is appearing before the Parliamentary Committees on Commissions Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises as part of the investigations in the properties of the Departed Asains Property Custodian Board. ( DAPCB).
Sudhir is accused of repossessing plots 4,9 and 11 on parliamentary avenue plots 38 and 24 on Kampala road among others.
Sudhir has told parliament’s Select committee investigating the matter, that his company Meera investment bought off these properties from the Asians who legally repossessed these properties from departed Asians.
In the letter summoning Sudhir to appear before COSASE, the Clerk asked him to come along with, power of Attorney, Letters of Administration, Certificates of repossession, a current Status report in terms of the current tenure and ownership.
He told the select committee that he has never bought the said properties from the custodian board or dealt with anyone from the said board in purchasing the said property.
In 1983, the Departed Asians’ Property Custodian Board was put in charge of between 9,000 to 10,000 properties of Asians who were evicted from Uganda during President Idi Amin’s era.
However, by 2009, 1,676 properties had been sold, some repossessed, compensated while some 3,226 remain unsold and unclaimed.
Currently, the Departed Asians’ Property Custodian Board is chaired by finance minister, Matia Kasaija, Betty Amongi, Jenipher Naemuyangu, Michael Kafabusa Werikhe, Gen.Caleb Akandwanaho also known as Salim Saleh, Farouq Lubega and the executive secretary, George William Bizibu.
The Board is mandated by the Assets of Departed Asians Act,1983 to take over and manage all assets transferred to it.
