In a decisive move, State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, has directed individuals evicted from a 91-acre piece of land in Buga Village, Wakiso District, to immediately return and utilise their properties. The Minister also ordered the arrest of the alleged land grabber, Kakuggu Siliveno Tumwesigye.
The directive comes as a relief to residents of Buga village, Mende Parish, who had been evicted from the 91-acre land. The residents had first sought help from the Office of the President, led by Minister Miria Babalanda, who then referred the matter to Minister Mayanja.
The land in question is historically significant, as it is said to belong to the estate of the late Ssekabaka Kagulu Tebukyeleke. The current Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, also has a lodge located on this same land.
The conflict involves over 2000 residents living in fear, with the prime suspect, Kakuggu Siliveno Tumwesigye, accused of instigating terror and threats against them. According to the residents, Kakuggu arrived in the area in 2010, claiming ownership of the land. He alleged that he purchased it from the children of the late Princess Namukabya, who was a caretaker of the land.
However, it has been established that the land actually belongs to the estate of the late Kabaka Kagulu Tebukyeleke.
During a meeting convened by Minister Mayanja, the residents detailed the harsh methods used by Kakuggu to evict them. They stated that he uses intimidation tactics, denying them access to their land and dragging them to court.
The residents further accused Kakuggu of acting with impunity, claiming he has no valid claim to the land and primarily targets and harasses the most vulnerable, even destroying parts of their homes.
In response, Minister Mayanja vowed to educate the residents on the history of the land and firmly directed them to return and use their properties without fear. He reiterated his order for the arrest of Kakuggu.
The Wakiso Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Justine Mbabazi, assured the residents of the Minister's full support.
When approached for comment, the accused, Kakuggu Siliveno Tumwesigye, declined to speak, abruptly ending the call after his known phone line was found to be unavailable.
