The State Minister for Lands, Hon. Sam Mayanja, has ordered the arrest of Andrew Akandwanaho, the land manager for the late Christopher Obeya, over allegations of violently evicting residents, demolishing their homes, and filing false criminal charges against them.
The minister also directed that an investigation be opened into the conduct of the Mubende District Chairperson.
The contested land, which has been a source of conflict for over two decades, spans approximately 12 square miles. It includes more than 10 villages whose residents have been petitioning authorities since 2002 to stop the Obeya family from taking over their ancestral properties. The affected plots include Block 357, Plot 4, and Block 375, Plots 2 and 3.
Minister Mayanja made his remarks while meeting the affected residents, who were led by the family of the late Yokana Lugalavu. The residents explained that their late father originally obtained a lease for the land (Block 375, Plots 2 and 3) in 1970, covering 953 acres. They stated that he gradually acquired the land, using it for cattle grazing until his death, leaving his young children as custodians—until Christopher Obeya arrived and began displacing them from their property.
During the meeting, which included the minister’s legal assistant, Lucky Betty, documents were reviewed showing how Obeya fraudulently obtained a certificate of title for the land. Residents further testified that Andrew Akandwanaho destroyed their homes and crops, and in one instance, allegedly set fire to a resident’s granary containing 100 bags of maize.
When given a chance to respond, Obeya’s lawyer denied the allegations, claiming the minister’s information was inaccurate. However, the minister dismissed this, instructing the District Police Commander (DPC) to immediately take Akandwanaho into custody.
Residents also accused Mubende District Chairperson, Michael Muhereza Ntambi, of colluding with Obeya’s land manager to legitimize the land grab. They alleged that after promising to protect their property, the Chairperson instead facilitated the manager’s access, who is now using the land for cattle grazing.
Minister Mayanja has ordered that Obeya’s land title be partially annulled to allow the residents to return to their properties. He also reminded the public that the late Christopher Obeya died while fleeing from a military prison after stealing public funds, stating that stolen money should not be used to oppress Ugandans.
The minister further confirmed that he will write to General Ishoke, directing him to investigate the Mubende District Chairperson for land-related corruption, including accusations that the Chairperson attempted to bribe residents to drop their complaints.
Some tenants farming on the disputed land under arrangements with Andrew Akandwanaho have appealed for mercy, asking that they be allowed to harvest their crops first. They reported that those without cash are forced to give Akandwanaho two bags of maize per acre as rent, and many have yet to recover their deposits.
Minister Mayanja concluded the session by ruling that all residents currently being evicted from their properties must be immediately reinstated.
