Hoima residents urge minister to address land conflict with tycoon

HOIMA, October 14, 2024 – Residents in Rwobunyinyi, Buraru Sub-county, have appealed to the State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja for intervention in a land conflict with tycoon Fred Mugamba, while also demanding the release of their relatives detained for over a year without trial.

This plea came during a recent meeting facilitated by Mayanja, and Presidential Advisor, Phiona Barungi, aimed at addressing ongoing land disputes between the residents, and businessman Mugamba. Their visit followed a petition from Kikuube Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Amlan Tumusiime, and Hoima district LCV Chairman Uthiman Mubarak Mugisha, who sought government intervention due to the residents’ suffering.

During the meeting, residents reported that Mugamba and his agents had illegally deployed security guards to evict them from land they have occupied for decades.

Godfrey Musinguzi, a local resident, highlighted that many people were arrested on dubious charges and have remained in detention for over two years. His brother, Isaiah Mbabazi, is among those who were detained without a hearing.

Musinguzi emphasised that the residents were wrongfully accused and called for the minister’s intervention to secure their release. He lamented the loss of their homes and livelihoods, stating that their houses were demolished, leaving them without land for farming.

Buraru Sub-county Chairperson, Robert Mwanga corroborated the residents’ grievances, revealing that over 30 individuals were arrested on trumped-up charges linked to land disputes. He urged the government to help those languishing in prison under fabricated murder allegations.

“Our people are suffering from these unfounded accusations,” Mwanga said. “I implore the government to act and secure their release so they can return home.”

Mugisha praised the minister’s involvement but noted that previous efforts to resolve the land conflict had been unsuccessful. He alleged that those opposing the residents claimed ties to the first family, complicating the situation.

He pointed out that the presence of security guards on the land has hindered attempts to restore residents’ access to their properties. He urged the minister to establish police posts in the area to ensure residents can safely return without fear of harassment.

“If residents are told to go back to their land, they will not do so out of fear of violence from security guards,” he warned, calling for the police to be deployed in the area as a long-term solution.

Michael Kyakashari, Hoima District Deputy Resident Commissioner, acknowledged the illegal deployment of security guards and expressed disappointment with the justice system, noting that several of Mugamba’s agents had been arrested but released without facing trial.

He assured the residents that, with the minister’s guidance, they would establish a police post and communicate with the Inspector General of Police regarding the situation.

In response to residents’ concerns, Minister Mayanja ordered them to return to their land and pledged to investigate the cancellation of Mugamba’s land title. He called for Mugamba’s arrest for illegally evicting residents and committing acts of violence against them.

Mayanja also committed to writing to the Director of Public Prosecutions [DPP]regarding the cases of 40 detained individuals to ensure their timely release.

Barungi expressed shock at the residents’ plight and dismissed claims of the First Family’s involvement in the land conflict, and instead promised to help the affected residents get justice.

Tycoon Mugamba was absent from the meeting and has previously stated that the residents encroached on land for which he holds title dating back to the 1980s.

https://thecooperator.news/hoima-farmers-seek-govt-help-in-fight-against-coffee-wilt-disease-others/

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