In the quiet village of Kigungo, located in Namukuma Parish, Ssi Sub-county, Buikwe District, tensions are rising over a piece of land belonging to 75-year-old David Kiwanuka, popularly known as Zebidayo. The elderly man finds himself at the center of a bitter dispute involving local leaders, residents, and alleged land grabbers.
The conflict escalated recently when a group of individuals, reportedly backed by some local leaders, attempted to forcefully take over part of Kiwanuka’s 15-acre land. The situation prompted the intervention of the police from Lugazi, led by the District Land Officer, Afande Richard Nsereko, who visited the area to assess the situation. Upon arrival, they found that the group had already begun constructing structures on the contested land and had blocked access roads leading to Kiwanuka’s property.
Kiwanuka, visibly distressed, explained that the land in question was inherited from his late father, Munyabo Lwabukoba. Over the years, he had allowed various people to use portions of the land for farming and other activities in exchange for small payments to support his livelihood. However, some individuals now seek to permanently seize the land, claiming ownership and disregarding his rights.
The elderly man has appealed to the government and Buganda Kingdom officials to intervene and resolve the matter. He expressed frustration over the actions of local leaders, including John Namalere, the head of Namukuma Parish, whom he accuses of supporting the land grabbers.
Local leaders and residents have also voiced their concerns. Solomon Mwaayi, the vice-chairperson of Kigungo Village, and other community members have condemned the actions of those targeting Kiwanuka’s land. They have called for urgent intervention to protect the elderly man’s property and prevent further conflict.
Joseph Mwavu, the Kansala (sub-county chief) of Ssi, acknowledged the complexity of the issue and emphasized the need for a fair resolution. He urged the police to enforce the law and ensure that no one takes the law into their own hands.
Lubega Lucky Kiwamirembe, a human rights activist advocating for Kiwanuka, accused the land grabbers of using their influence to manipulate the system. He called on Buganda Kingdom to step in and protect its subjects from such injustices. Kiwamirembe also highlighted the poor living conditions of Kiwanuka, whose home is in disrepair and who suffers from health issues exacerbated by the stress of the ongoing dispute.
Despite presenting documents from Buganda Kingdom proving his ownership of the land, Kiwanuka continues to face challenges. The documents, signed by Parish Head John Namalere, have not deterred the land grabbers, who remain determined to take over the property.
Afande Richard Nsereko, the Buikwe District Land Officer, warned against illegal land transactions and vowed to arrest anyone found violating the law. However, attempts to reach Namalere and other implicated leaders for comment were unsuccessful, as they reportedly went into hiding upon learning of the police’s presence.
As the situation remains unresolved, the community hopes for a swift and just resolution to protect Kiwanuka’s rights and restore peace to the area.
