Tensions are high in Butebo District, Eastern Uganda, as more than 500 residents demand justice over alleged land grabbing. The dispute, involving school authorities and local leaders, has left families at risk of eviction from their ancestral land.
The conflict began in Jawa Cell and Kabwangasi Cell, where locals accuse administrators of Kabwangasi Secondary School and Bukanga Primary School of forcefully occupying their land.
Residents claim the land was originally donated in 1984 for school construction but were promised compensation—a promise that remains unfulfilled to this day.
Since 1984, the community has given this land for the school, but the school administrators have never compensated them. Now, the people are suffering.
The matter was brought before the Butebo District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Michael Okurut, in a council meeting attended by the State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja. The disputed land spans over 120 acres.
Despite a large turnout from affected residents, school administrators and district education officials, including the District Education Officer (DEO) Josephine Kaanyi, were notably absent.
RESIDENTS (Descendants of Kakungulu & Kezironi Malumba) "We are pleading with the Minister to secure our land with a title. This land is our inheritance, and we cannot lose it."
Minister Mayanja invoked Article 237(8) of the Constitution, reaffirming the residents’ rights to occupy the land. He also ordered an immediate survey and issuance of a land title to protect the community’s interests.
"I have directed that a title be processed for this land. The law is clear—no one should illegally displace lawful occupants.
The Minister’s intervention has brought relief to the residents, who have vowed to support the government’s efforts in resolving the dispute.
For now, the community remains hopeful as they await the implementation of the Minister’s directives.
"We are grateful for the Minister’s response. We trust that the government will finally bring justice to our people.
Lawrence Kyambadde, SALT TV, reporting from Butebo District, Eastern Uganda.
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