Hoima police halt illegal eviction of over 1,000 residents

HOIMA-Police in Hoima district are investigating circumstances under which some outlaws were trying to evict over 1,000 residents in Buraru Sub-county in Hoima district without a court order and clearance from security organs.

The affected residents have been feuding with tycoon Fred Mugamba over land measuring over 800 acres covering Rwobunyinyi village and two others.

On Friday, the suspected criminals stormed the area with sticks and guns, forcing some of the residents to vacate the contested land in fear of losing their lives.

The residents claimed the hired armed groups destroyed crops, demolished houses and looted properties including domestic animals like pigs and chicken among others.

However, the area police, led police the Hoima district police commander, Jackson Bogere would rush to the area to halt the illegal eviction of the residents. Bogere promised to launch an investigation into the eviction immediately.

Meanwhile, police arrested six suspects whose identities could not be disclosed in fear of jeopardising the investigations.

Wilfred Kahwa the manager of Mugamba’s casual laborers denied participating in the illegal eviction, claiming that some of the labourers and security guards deployed to guard the land on behalf of Mugamba connived to carry out the crime.

Christine Akugizibwe, one of the affected residents said the armed groups threatened to kill her if she delayed to vacate the land within seven hours.

Benson Chiche Rukumba, the Hoima district LCV vice chairman condemned the eviction, saying those involved in committing the crime must be brought to book.

Last month, Frank Asaba,40, and Sam Kokonza,50, all agents of Mugamba were killed by angry residents who accused the two of destroying their crops.

https://thecooperator.news/hoima-over-500-families-blocked-from-returning-to-disputed-land/

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