Residents of Kigugo village in Ssi Sub-county, Buikwe District, are living in fear following repeated invasions of their farmland by unidentified individuals. The latest incident has sparked outrage among locals, prompting urgent intervention from government officials during a crisis meeting convened by Buikwe RDC Maj. David Matovu.
LC1 Chairperson Charles Kivumbi reported that unknown persons have been violently destroying crops and threatening farmers off their legally owned plots. "This lawlessness must stop," Kivumbi stated before a gathering that included State Minister for Lands Dr. Sam Mayanja and district security officials. The disputed land spans over 18 acres of fertile agricultural plots that multiple families depend on for survival.
During tense proceedings, residents singled out David Kiwanuka as allegedly orchestrating the land grabs. However, when summoned to explain, Kiwanuka gave contradictory statements that failed to satisfy the minister. "His explanations don't add up," Dr. Mayanja declared before ordering an immediate police investigation and Kiwanuka's arrest for further questioning.
The minister issued a stern warning to all illegal land dealers: "Stop terrorizing rightful owners. Government will not tolerate fraudulent transactions where people sell land that isn't theirs." He directed the Buikwe District Land Board to launch a verification exercise and cancel all dubiously acquired land titles in the area.
As tensions simmer, Dr. Mayanja proceeded to neighboring Nkokonjeru Township to address similar land conflicts, underscoring growing concerns about property rights violations across central Uganda. The minister emphasized that lawful landowners should develop their properties without fear, promising enhanced security measures.
Meanwhile, affected Kigugo residents remain cautiously optimistic. "We've tilled this land for generations," said one elderly farmer. "All we want is to harvest our crops in peace." The case highlights escalating land pressures in Buikwe, where rising property values have triggered increased conflicts.
As Uganda prepares for Good Friday observances on April 18th at Canaan Land, the Kigugo community hopes their plea for justice will be answered with the same urgency as the spiritual deliverance many will seek during the holy day.
Editor's Note: This dispute reflects broader land governance challenges requiring urgent policy attention, particularly in peri-urban areas experiencing rapid development pressure. The minister's intervention signals government recognition of these systemic issues.
