Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Nkoko village in Kasese district stormed the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to protest the government's alleged delays in resolving their land conflicts.
The IDPs, comprising cultivators, had gathered at the RDC's office for a meeting with cattle keepers and district leadership to find a way forward, but the discussion ended prematurely due to disagreements over setting a date to pick coordinates.
Following the failed meeting, hundreds of cultivators from villages including Nkoko, Ibuga, and others set up tents and camped at the RDC's office saying they shall leave after their matters are handled.
In a show of determination, some of the protesters were screened by Salt media cameras in the evening while cooking and eating at the RDC's office premises.Â
Ms. Grace Biira, the chairperson of cultivators, attributed the delays to what she termed "middle men" in government, who she claimed were hindering the President's interventions. These threatened not to leave until their matters were handledÂ
Other affected residents accused corrupt government leaders and local MPs of only showing interest in their plight during political campaigns.Â
However, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, the Kasese RDC, denied allegations of bias and urged the protesters to remain calm, assuring them that the State Minister for Lands, Hon. Sam Mayanja, was handling the matter.
The presidential advisor, in charge of rwenzori Region, Christine Muhindo called on the two parties to remain calm, adding that the government is working tirelessly to have land conflicts end in Kasese district.
The IDPs are primarily from Nkoko, Ibuga, and Kisanga villages in Kitswamba sub-county, as well as Kabukero in Karusandara and Rwehingo village in Nyakiyumbu sub-county. They are demanding a swift resolution to their land conflicts and resettlement.
