Land Disputes, Residents Clash with Landowners
Land Dispute Erupts in Luwero as 300 Residents Clash with Alleged Landowners
LUWERO – Tensions flared in Kaswa and Nganjo villages, Katikamu Sub-County, as over 300 residents confronted alleged landowners Stella Nanteza and Nicholas Ntege during a mediation meeting chaired by State Lands Minister Dr. Sam Mayanja. The decades-long conflict over a 640-acre parcel escalated into physical altercations, requiring police intervention to separate the parties.
Prince Mawanda Simbwa, Chairperson of Kaswa Village Land Committee, revealed the dispute dates back 20 years: "These claimants began encroaching on land belonging to the late Temiteo Kasiba, using forged documents to terrorise lawful occupants." Residents accused local leaders, including RDC Richard Bwabye and LC1 Kabuye Sinaani, of colluding with police to harass them.
During emotional testimony, 95-year-old Edward Lukyamuzi pleaded with Minister Mayanja for protection, while Nanteza and Ntege insisted they legally acquired the land. Sarah Nakitende, Presidential Liaison Officer for Luwero, admitted the complexity of the case, having only recently assumed her role.
Dr. Mayanja condemned the intimidation tactics, vowing to investigate the RDC's alleged coercion of residents into signing dubious agreements. "This oppression must end. My office will audit all land titles in this area," he declared, directing lawyer Peter Kimanje Nsibambi to document all grievances.
