MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Criminalization of planet, land, and environmental defenders in Uganda is on the increase as 2023 recorded the soaring number of attacks.

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2024

Close to 200 community human rights defenders and activists have paid a price for protecting the planet, land, and environmental rights in Uganda in the year 2023, Witness Radio – Uganda reports.

The abridged report titled “The State of Planet, Environmental, and Land Rights Defenders in Uganda 2023” by Witness Radio documented 181 cases of arbitrary arrests, detentions, imprisonments, disappearances, and other retaliatory attacks.

Witness Radio‘s findings reveal a disturbing pattern wherein all arrests are marked by extreme violence, particularly targeting those who boldly stand up to fight for nature, food sovereignty, and biodiversity and mobilize communities to push back violence against them. Beyond the mere detentions, these defenders often fall victim to kidnapping, torture, and arbitrary arrest, fostering an atmosphere of fear among them and the communities they represent.

Nevertheless, defenders who persist and stand up for their beliefs are at a higher risk of violent attacks from investors and their agents. Notably, the Western region emerges as a fiery epicenter for the unjust criminalization of these brave individuals, where the flames of oppression burn most intensely. It is followed by Central, Northern and Eastern regions respectively.

The report also highlights a concerning trend in Uganda’s agricultural sector, marked by a significant increase in violent and retaliatory attacks and detentions. It is closely followed by similar issues within the oil sector, as the infrastructure sector underscoring the urgent necessity for comprehensive action to address the escalating threats and attacks faced by land and environmental defenders in Uganda.

Witness Radio’s Community Empowerment officer, Ms. Bulyerali Joan, reveals that the prevalence of the continued unforceful evictions and escalating criminalization of community land and environmental defenders is a result of insufficient due diligence by both government entities and investors in their business investments.

“Land and environmental rights defenders are consistently targeted for arrest as a means to intimidate them into relinquishing their land. The collusion between the police, who are tasked with protecting the community, and investors results in the detention of these defenders, leaving them vulnerable to the whims of the investors. Furthermore, the government and various project funders fail to conduct proper due diligence to ensure that the entities they support uphold human rights standards,” Ms. Bulyerali emphasized.

“Over the past years, we have been documenting the complicity between the police, army, and private security guards in carrying out illegal evictions, as well as their roles in suppressing protesters advocating for land and environmental rights,” added Ms. Bulyerali. “Unfortunately, 2023 has seen a continuation of this pattern, with the police, private guards, and army actively involved in violent evictions, resulting in the arrests and detentions of critics of various projects.”

In one of the communities mentioned in the report, Rwabunyonyi village in Hoima district, a community member named Venessa not real name due to fear of retaliation from land grabbers, disclosed that in March 2023, 21 land defenders were forcibly arrested by local police, allegedly in collusion with land grabbers. Shockingly, these defenders were falsely charged with murder and aggravated robbery, a blatant attempt to silence them and instill fear among the communities they represent.

“Our land remains heavily guarded by private security personnel, preventing us from accessing and utilizing it for our livelihoods. These guards have intensified violence against us and persistently target our land for large-scale investments” Vanessa told Witness Radio.

Shockingly, despite Junior Lands Minister Mr. Sam Mayanja’s attempt to intervene and protect the community from land grabbing on August 24, 2023, security guards affiliated with the Pyramid Private Security group stationed on the land resorted to threatening him with gunfire.

According to the Rwabunyonyi community members, they perceive this act as demonstrating the impunity with which these powerful land grabbers operate to the extent of ordering the guards to shoot at the minister. They questioned how ordinary citizens like themselves could challenge the oppressive tactics of these guards if they showed no fear in confronting high-ranking officials.

In the oil sector, the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has persistently inflicted detrimental effects on the very individuals it purports to benefit. From unfair compensations and land grabbing to relentless harassment and violent arrests of critics, its impact is starkly evident. Notably, among those forcefully arrested and falsely charged for raising legitimate concerns about the environmental damage caused by the pipeline project is Bob Barigye.

Barigye, a climate activist and an advocate for social justice and human rights, working with the African Initiative on Food Security and Environment (AIFE) was arbitrarily arrested and detained more than three times in 2023. He recounted one harrowing incident on January 24th 2023, while in Kampala. He revealed that during this arrest, 15 police officers manhandled and severely beat him. The catalyst for the activist’s arrest was his involvement in organizing a debate addressing the environmental, human rights, and economic ramifications of the EACOP project.

Barigye further described being forcefully placed into a police van, where officers compelled him to lie on the floor beneath the seats. He was then transported to and detained at Wandegeya Police Station, in Kampala district. He reported being charged with obstructing police officers while on duty before being released on police bond on January 27th 2023.

Despite the increasing number of reported cases, the report anticipates a potential reduction in land evictions shortly. This optimism follows President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to ban the involvement of the army in evictions. Museveni’s action was later complemented by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, who warned against the participation of both police and private guards in illegal land evictions.

Following growing concerns about the army’s role in carrying land evictions, in December 2023 the President announced a ban prohibiting the involvement of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in land matters and guarding grabbed land claiming, that the actions by the army deviate from its primary mandate of securing the country’s borders.

Additionally, Otafiire, earlier this year cautioned police’s involvement in illegal land evictions and added that he has always advised the Ugandan police to stay away from land involving conflicts. Otafiire also gave a directive barring private security company groups from manning people’s land.

The report also advises the government to enforce regulations mandating thorough human rights and environmental due diligence processes before endorsing any land-based investments. It suggests conducting periodic evaluations of such investments. The Uganda Investment Authority should engage with investors and companies to establish Internal Grievances Appeal Mechanisms to address adverse social and economic effects of their operations, among other measures, to curb rising criminalization.

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Rwot Acana, UPDF clash over evictions from govt ranches

Published

7 days ago

July 29, 2025

witnessradio.org

The Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, has accused the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers of using excessive force during the eviction of his subjects from disputed land in Acholi and Aswa ranches in Angagura Sub-County, Pader District.

Rwot Acana, who visited the area on July 25, accused soldiers involved in the eviction of using unnecessary violence, beating locals and firing gunshots into the air. The eviction began last Monday in the villages of Juba, Gogwiri, Pabit, Aringobot, and Bira. The army aimed to remove about 700 households accused of illegally occupying the ranch land.

At a meeting held at Corner Ranch, Rwot Acana called on the UPDF to halt the ongoing eviction, urging authorities to first remove the Balalo pastoralists off land they occupy as per the Presidential Executive Order II of June 2025.

“Help us get the Balalo out of the region first. That is the priority according to the presidential directive,” he stated. The paramount chief said the security agencies ensured the pastoralists’ cattle were removed from the sub-region as part of enforcing the order. “First, remove the cattle from Acholi, then address land demarcation and acquisition issues. Understand the acquisition process and the parties involved,” he added.

Rwot Acana also accused the Pader Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the UPDF of acting under “wrong orders fuelled by negative energy,” causing fear among his people. “The UPDF beat my subjects and fired gunshots. This is uncalled for,” he said. Local leaders in Angagura Sub-county reported theft of property, livestock, and foodstuffs during the eviction.

Mr Freddy Stephen Okello, Angagura Sub-County Chairperson and head of the sub-county security committee, alleged that soldiers stole food and chickens from residents. “Bullets were fired in the air, and food and chickens were stolen. This has created fear in the community. We later met with the 5th Infantry Division Commander and Dr Kenneth Omona, State minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, to request a halt to the eviction,” he said.

The affected families reportedly settled on the land in 2011 following the end of hostilities in northern Uganda. Rwot Acana described the eviction as chaotic and harsh: “Beating my subjects, stealing their crops, destroying their homes, and forcing them to sleep outdoors in the cold is cruel. It brings back memories of the two-decade-long LRA war.” He warned that such actions would not be tolerated if repeated.

Rwot Acana interacts with residents who were evicted from ranches in Angagura Sub-county, Pader District on July 25, 2025. PHOTO/JAMES OWICH

The communities appealed to the government to allow them to harvest crops before leaving. However, the UPDF dismissed the allegations of violence as attempts to sabotage their operation.

Capt Edrin Mawanda, the public information officer for 5th Division, told our reporter on Sunday that accusations against the army were false and meant to frustrate efforts to do their lawful duties. He insisted that no soldiers committed any abuses and praised the professionalism of the troops.

“The operation is proceeding smoothly. No one was injured as alleged. Misleading the public is dangerous. We urge politicians and leaders to be patient,” he said.

Capt Mawanda stated that the eviction would continue unless officially ordered to stop.

“Our men are committed to implementing the President’s directives fully. There is a lot of blackmail against the uniformed forces by politicians trying to disrupt our efforts. But no one will derail us. We will only stop if higher authority instructs,” he added. He also noted that while the troops are not well-equipped, they have received adequate briefings and support, including food supplies.

Source: Monitor

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

The Court nullifies the Lake Katwe Surface Rights formerly granted to the Chinese-Ugandan Consortium due to a violation of community rights.

Published

7 days ago

July 29, 2025

witnessradio.org

By Witness Radio team.

The High Court of Uganda at Fort Portal has overturned the grant of surface rights over Lake Katwe to Rwenzori Shining Star Limited, a salt mining company affiliated with a Chinese-Ugandan multi-million-dollar venture, Witness Radio has learned.

The Court’s decision is a testament to the power of collective action. It follows a case filed in the High Court of Fort Portal by the Tweraneho Listeners Club and 10 other applicants, representing over 6,000 people from Katwe Kabatoro town council, whose livelihoods depend on Lake Katwe. The applicants bravely challenged the illegal giveaway of Lake Katwe to an investor by the Town Council of Katwe Kabatoro.

The company, Rwenzori Shining Star Limited, is a multimillion-dollar investment in a Chinese-Uganda Consortium. According to the company documents, the company’s board Chairman is Captain Mike Mukula, who serves in one of Uganda’s top political positions.

In September 2020, Rwenzori Shining Star Ltd applied to the Katwe Kabatoro Town Council for surface rights over Lake Katwe to set up a salt mining project.

In less than three months, the town council granted the surface rights to the company without consulting the local miners or project-affected persons, a decision that led to adverse effects, including forced evictions, which altered the lives of many families and their livelihoods.

Under Miscellaneous Cause No. 007 of 2021, the applicants, who included those evicted from their workplaces, among others, claimed that the giveaway was made without consultation, thereby violating their constitutional rights.

In a court proceeding on July 14, 2025, presided over by Hon Justice Vicent Emmy Mugabo, it was made clear that both Katwe Kabatoro Town Council and the local government had no legal authority to grant surface rights.

In addition to not having the authority to grant surface rights, the honorable court also revealed that the actions of the surface rights giveaway violated the rights of the local communities.

“The applicants claim that the 1st respondent’s (Katwe Kabatoro) act of granting lake Katwe surface rights to 2nd Respondent (Rwenzori Shining Star Ltd) without consulting the local people and direct beneficiaries of the lake is inconsistent with and violates their rights.” The Court ruling, which Witness Radio obtained a copy of, reads.

The court’s decision not only nullified the surface rights but also issued a permanent injunction, providing a sense of security to the community. This injunction restrains Rwenzori Shining Star Limited, its agents, and any other persons from interfering with the ongoing activities of community members currently using the lake.

Mr. Simon Amanyire, the Executive Director of Twerwanko Listener’s Club, a Non-Governmental Organization that supports the affected victims, welcomed the significant milestone and the duo’s respect for the court ruling.

“TLC welcomes the decision of the high court and hopes the company will respect court decisions.” The Director wrote to Witness Radio’s team.

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

20 witness to testify against ex-land registration commissioner Mugaino

Published

2 weeks ago

July 24, 2025

witnessradio.org

Mugaino is battling charges of abuse of office and corruption over allegations of irregular cancellation of certificates of title for several pieces of land in Kampala city.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) says about 20 witnesses are expected to testify against former Commissioner for Land Registration Baker Mugaino.

Mugaino is battling charges of abuse of office and corruption over allegations of irregular cancellation of certificates of title for several pieces of land in Kampala city.

The cancelled titles belong to Tropical Bank, Namayiba Park Hotel and businessman Gerald Akugizibwe.

The titles are for land comprising Kibuga Block 12 plots 658, 659, and 665 in Kisenyi; Kibuga Block 4 plot 152 in Namirembe, and Kyadondo Block 244 plot 2506 in Kisugu, Kampala district.

In a statement released on July 23, 2025, IG says the 20 complaints including Tropical Bank officials have recorded witness statements and are ready to give evidence against Mugaino in court.

The statement was released following an article published in the Independent Magazine titled, “IGG abusing her office”.

The IG said the article contains unfounded allegations against the person of the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya Turwomwe, questioning her decision to interdict, investigate and later prosecute Mugaino.

According to the IG, it is standard procedure for the IGG to issue orders to interdict a public officer if they have cause to believe that the officer might interfere with investigations.

The IG says the authority is derived from Article 230(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act.

The IG states that the matter of Mugaino’s conduct while performing official duty is before court and, therefore, cannot be discussed in the public because it offends the sub judice law.

The IGG over the past four years has interdicted over 150 public officers, including six senior officers in the Office of the Prime Minister and many chief administrative officers.

Complaints

According to the statement, between December 2024 and April 2025, the IGG received 22 complaints against Mugaino alleging cancellation of certificates of title without following prescribed procedures under the law, removal of caveats without giving prescribed notices, double titling, issuing of special certificates of title while original ones exist, leading to multiple titling, cancellation of certificates of titles for disputes that would essentially be handled by courts with the intention of defeating Justice.

IG states that preliminary investigations found merit in the allegations and the IGG decided to launch a full-scale investigation in the office of the commissioner land registration.

Allegations

Prosecution alleges that between April 8 and 20 this year, Mugaino, while employed in the public service as commissioner of land registration, lands ministry in Kampala, abused his authority by arbitrarily performing acts prejudicial to his employer’s interests – the Government of Uganda, Tropical Bank Ltd, Akugizibwe and Namayiba Park Hotel.

He is accused of irregularly cancelling certificates of title his office had issued to Tropical Bank, Akugizibwe, and Namayiba Park Hotel.

The prosecution also alleges that Mugaino neglected his duties as stipulated in Section 88 of the Land Act and his schedule of duties as commissioner land registration, in April this year when handling a complaint about the land in question.

Background

Court documents indicate that on February 28, 2007, Businessman Mousa Lutwama Kizito obtained a credit facility of shillings 400 million from Tropical Bank using collateral constituting land at Kisugu in Kampala.

The documents further state that on August 18, 2007, Lweza Clays Ltd also obtained a credit facility from Tropical Bank using collateral consisting of land comprising Namirembe and Kisugu in Kampala and Lweza in Wakiso district.

Accordingly, Tropical Bank on September 25, 2007 registered the mortgages on the certificate of title.

However, Kizito and Lweza Clays defaulted on their loan repayments, prompting the bank to advertise the mortgaged properties after winning a court case.

Consequently, the bank on October 10, 2022, sold the mortgaged property at Namirembe to Akugizibwe for shillings 415 million. The bank also sold property at Kisenyi to Namayiba Park Hotel for shillings two billion.

The bank wrote to the Registrar High Court requesting the return of the mortgaged certificates of titles and bank guarantee as per the court order issued by Justice Stephen Mubiru.

The bank applied to the Commissioner Land Registration, requesting for special certificates of title upon failure to retrieve the mortgaged copies from the Registrar High Court (Commercial Division).

In a petition dated April 8, 2025, MBS Advocates, acting on behalf of Kizito and Luweza, requested the commissioner land registration to cancel the certificates of title for the land in question and Mugaino allegedly illegally removed court orders and caveats that had been lodged on the certificates of title, without any other orders from court.

Original Source: New Vision