Government Intervenes in Land Disputes in Mbarara and Ibanda
The government, through the Ministry of Lands, has issued 6 land titles in Mbarara City and Ibanda District. This move is aimed at resolving long-standing conflicts between occupants and alleged landlords. The intervention was spearheaded by the State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, who stepped into disputes that have led to the imprisonment of 60 people and the death of 8 others.
Minister Sam Mayanja first visited Rwenjeru, Mbarara City North, where he met with over 100 residents gathered on land known as Plot 53, Block 34.
The locals, led by their area LC1 Chairperson, Bampigira Moses, and Charles Muhairwe, explained that the conflicts began in 1992. However, in 2013, the government acquired this land for its people, and in 2017, the Land Commission Chairman, Baguma Isoke, brought the land title.
The community accuses individuals, including Mujuni Godfrey, Bitabara John, Muffudde Dasan—who they identify as a Musoga—Sanyu Rosemary, and Captain Sande, of framing them, leading to 60 of their members being imprisoned.
The residents are faulting the Mbarara City RCC, Catherine Kamwine, and the Division Mayor, Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, for neglecting them and failing to provide leadership.
In response, the Minister has ordered the police to arrest Captain Sande and his associates so they can be prosecuted.
He also directed the Land Commission to expedite the process of securing land titles for the rightful occupants. Furthermore, he ordered the DPC to release the 60 imprisoned individuals, stating they have no case to answer.
After Mbarara, the Minister proceeded to Kyembogo Village, Bisheshe, in Ibanda District. Here, the family of the late Michael Byesizibwa has been struggling for 29 years to reclaim their land—a struggle that has turned deadly, claiming 8 lives, including Police Constable Sulaiman Chemonges, who was stoned to death.
Ronald Tushabe, a grandson in the family, briefed the Minister on the history of the dispute, which he traced back to a relative, Vincent Mbabazi, who created a fraudulent title.
Johnson Kanyomozi, the Bisheshe Sub-county Chairperson, and the RDC, Godfrey Mbetegyerize, informed the Minister that they had attempted to resolve the matter, but Mbabazi refused to cooperate and instead enlisted the police on his side.
Consequently, the Minister has directed that Vincent Mbabazi's land title be cancelled immediately, stating that the Commissioner must place a caveat on it because it was acquired fraudulently.
He also ordered the family to restart the process of subdividing the land according to the will of the late Mzee Michael Byesizibwa, and they will be given their titles.
The Minister has warned that he is summoning the police and the Resident State Attorney this very evening, and any officers who have been collaborating with Vincent Mbabazi will be transferred immediately.
