MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Mubende district police are aiding land grabbing and committing crimes against locals they are obliged to protect.

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2023

Some of the houses that have recently been destroyed in Kirwanyi by the police and family of Late Nava.

Mubende – Uganda: police personnel deployed to defuse land conflicts between worrying factions in Kirwanyi and Kituula parishes in Butoloogo sub-county, Mubende district has taken sides. Under the command of Mubende District Police Commander (DPC) Ayatollah Kapchmu, police are now conspiring with land grabbers to forcefully and violently evict locals, criminalizing homes and family fields for local leaders, community activists, and land rights defenders opposed to their method of work.

In July 2023, Witness Radio – Uganda published an article concerning a couple murdered in cold blood in Mubende district. The couple (late Naava Milly Namutebi and her husband, late Abdallah Kayizzi) were claiming ownership of 906.496 hectares. Late Naava and the husband before being killed, were allegedly caught harvesting maize/corn belonging to a kibanja holder.

The land targeted covers 16 villages namely Kirwanyi Central, Kirwanyi East, Kirwanyi West, Nakasagazi, Kituule A, Kituule B, Kibalagazi A, Kibalagazi B, Kakkanembe, Bukyambuzi A, Bukyambuzi B, Kisende, Mulanda, Kituule central, Kirwanyi A, and Butayunja in Kirwanyi and Kituule parishes in Butoloogo Sub County in Mubende district and had been a home to over 4000 bibanja holders.

Shortly after the incident, Mubende district police under the command of Ayatollah, police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in the area. Unfortunately, the police lost the impartiality test instead joined the family of the deceased to target community defenders and activists demanding land justice for the community with arbitrary arrests, framed with cooked-up criminal charges and imprisonment.

So far, Witness Radio has recorded eight (8) people framed, charged, and sent to prison, identified as the Kirwanyi Local Council one Chairperson Bangirana Innocent, Kaseekye Mugonjo, Tumusiime Benjamin, Byakatonda Harman, Biirijja Job, Zaina Kakayire, Nabasiita Maria and Rukundo Prince. All have been charged with various offenses, including murder, aggravated robbery, and attempted murder and others, and are currently on remand at Kaweeri government prison.

The arrests have triggered a wave of fear among community members, leading many to flee their homesteads to escape police persecution. However, Witness Radio has uncovered that the deceased’s family with support from police, is taking advantage of this situation, during which people are away from their homes to seize and take control of their plots of land (bibanja).

In Uganda, Kibanja ownership is defined under the Land Act Cap 227, (Section 29(1)(a)(i) as a lawful occupant falling within registered land particularly described as Mailo land tenure system, while a landlord is referred to as a property owner (including their authorized agent) who rents or leases that property (such as land, houses, or apartments) to another party in exchange for rent payments according to the Landlord and Tenant Act, 2022

Uganda is one of the countries whose majority of land has no certificate of ownership, according to a report from Land Links, USAID’s knowledge-sharing platform focused on land tenure and property rights to improving land and resource governance and strengthening property, only 15%–20% of the land in Uganda is registered, leaving a bigger vacuum.

Witness Radio research reveals a disturbing pattern in which people’s homes and crops are demolished and destructed, with no meaningful intervention from area leaders. Furthermore, those seeking to reclaim their land rights often face intimidation in the form of arrests, as they attempt to reoccupy their property.

According to community members who preferred anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter and numerous belongings have been pilfered following the unabated destruction, and their gardens are now being occupied and used by police and late Naava’s family members. Valuables like iron sheets and food crops have been looted as police appear incapable of preventing these incidents, which are causing significant distress to the residents in the area.

At night, police together with members of the deceased’s family, ransack people’s homes, plunder housing materials, ruin crops that are almost ready for harvest, illegally evict, and take possession of grabbed land.

According to one of the area leaders, more than ten families have lost their property (garden fields, houses among others) in the recent move.

“These community members have not only experienced the loss of their property but also face harassment as they attempt to resettle. Both the police and Naava’s family falsely accuse them of being involved in the deceased’s death. In instances where they are found residing in other areas, their homes are destroyed, and they are forcibly told to relocate,” said a leader.

When contacted, the Regional police spokesperson of Wamala Region, Racheal Kawala revealed that she unaware of any violent incidents in the area.

“I am not aware of what you are telling me. Talk to the District Police Commander of Mubende,” she said.

By press time, Witness Radio had been unsuccessful in securing an interview with the District Police Commander on the same issues, as our repeated calls remained unanswered.

The Mubende district, Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Birungi Abubakar revealed that people were allowed to reoccupy back to their land and wondered why the police would allow the family of the deceased to illegally destroy people’s homes, and gardens and loot their property.

“In the recent meeting, if I remember well, last month when we held it, we refused the police to intimidate bibanja holders with arrests, also agreed that these people should reoccupy their land, and the status quo be maintained,” he revealed in a phone interview with Witness Radio on Monday 23rd of October.

One of the officers at Mubende Central Police Station confirmed having received reports of evictions and destruction of property within those areas.

“Yes, we have received such kind of reports and have urged the affected people to always come and report so that we kick start the investigations.” An officer who preferred to be anonymous told Witness Radio.

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Campaigning LC I Chairpersons Barred from Land Transactions Until Polls End.

Published

4 days ago

July 17, 2026

witnessradio.org

The Ministry of Lands has restricted LC I chairpersons seeking re-election from handling land transactions until after the July 28 village elections to prevent fraud, disputes and irregularities during the campaign period.

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has temporarily barred Local Council I (LC I) chairpersons seeking re-election from participating in land-related transactions, citing concerns over possible fraud and disputes during the election period.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, the ministry directed all campaigning LC I chairpersons to stop witnessing, endorsing, recommending or overseeing land transactions until the electoral process is concluded.

The directive comes as campaigns for village chairperson elections enter the final days ahead of polling on July 28.

“The advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure to safeguard the integrity of land transactions during this transition period and to minimise the risk of disputes, fraud, or other irregularities that may arise,” the ministry said in the notice.

The ministry advised members of the public against relying on LC I chairpersons who are actively campaigning for services involving the witnessing of land sale agreements, verification of ownership, handling of boundary disputes or any other transaction requiring local administrative involvement.

Individuals with urgent land matters were encouraged to seek assistance from qualified legal practitioners or use other lawful channels until the elections are completed.

“The Ministry urges the public to exercise patience until the election process is concluded. This precaution will help prevent costly mistakes and safeguard the interests of all parties,” the notice added.

The temporary restriction comes amid continued concerns over land disputes, which remain among the leading sources of conflict in Uganda, with local leaders often playing a key role in verifying ownership and facilitating village-level transactions.

Although LC I chairpersons do not have the legal mandate to transfer land ownership or issue titles, they are commonly relied upon during land transactions because of their knowledge of residents and local land histories.

They often help confirm the identity of sellers, identify boundaries and witness sale agreements alongside members of their executive committees, providing community-level verification before transactions are completed.

Legal experts have previously cautioned that LC I endorsements only provide local credibility and do not replace formal requirements under Uganda’s land laws. Buyers are still required to conduct proper due diligence before purchasing land.

According to the Electoral Commission roadmap, elections for Village (LC I) chairpersons will be held on July 28 across Uganda’s 71,214 villages. Elections for Parish (LC II) chairpersons will follow on August 10.

The Ministry of Lands said LC I chairpersons will resume their normal involvement in land-related matters after the conclusion of the electoral process.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Mbale City Senior Lands Officer Charged with Abuse of Office Over Sale of Govt Property

Published

6 days ago

July 15, 2026

witnessradio.org

KAMPALA — A senior land management official in Mbale City has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court on charges of abuse of office and fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title after allegedly facilitating the irregular sale of government-allocated land to a private businessman.

Emmanuel Paul Kigaye appeared in court Tuesday following his arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

According to the prosecution, between September 2019 and May 2023, Kigaye, while serving as senior land management officer at Mbale City, engaged in an arbitrary act prejudicial to his employer’s interests. He is accused of irregularly causing the Registrar of Titles at the Mbale Ministry Zonal Office to issue a certificate of title for Plot 27, Bishop Masaba Road, in the name of businessman Moses Wamatsembe.

The state alleges that the action was illegal because the plot had already been allocated to the Dairy Development Authority. Prosecutors further claim that Kigaye fraudulently processed and procured the registration of a freehold certificate of title — FRV MBA199 Folio 22, instrument number MBA-0009476 — for land measuring approximately 0.5040 hectares at the same location, still in Wamatsembe’s name.

Kigaye denied the charges. He was remanded to Luzira Prison and is scheduled to reappear in court July 16.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to tackle irregularities in land administration, a sector long plagued by disputes and allegations of malfeasance in Uganda. Land management officers wield significant influence over title processing and allocations, making the position susceptible to abuse when proper safeguards are bypassed.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, established by President Yoweri Museveni in December 2018 under Article 99(4) of the Constitution, was created to fast-track the resolution of corruption complaints received by the presidency. Since its inception, the unit has conducted more than 400 operations across more than 100 districts, resulting in the arraignment of more than 856 suspects and 150 convictions. It has also recovered billions of shillings in public funds and facilitated the interdiction of numerous corrupt officials.

The arrest of Kigaye forms part of the unit’s intensified scrutiny of public officials suspected of undermining government interests through corrupt land deals. Such cases often involve collusion between bureaucrats and private individuals to divert public resources for personal gain, eroding public trust in local governance and development authorities.

Court proceedings are expected to shed more light on the alleged transaction as investigations continue. Officials from Mbale City and the Dairy Development Authority have yet to issue public statements on the matter.

Source: pmldaily.com

MEDIA FOR CHANGE NETWORK

Kibaale Residents Raise Corruption Concerns Over Delayed Land Title Processing

Published

6 days ago

July 15, 2026

witnessradio.org

Residents of Kibaale District have accused officials of corruption and unnecessary delays in the processing of land titles, saying the challenges continue to fuel land conflicts and deny vulnerable communities secure land ownership. The concerns were raised during a Uganda Land Commission sensitisation on the Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification programme.

Residents of Kibaale District have raised concerns over alleged corruption and prolonged delays in the processing of land titles, saying the challenges continue to affect land ownership and fuel disputes within communities.

The concerns were raised during a community sensitisation meeting organised by the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) on the Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification (SLAC) programme, ahead of the issuance of more than 2,000 land titles covering 647 hectares (1,600 acres) of land purchased by the government from Fred Kasozi for beneficiary communities.

The land, located on Block 241, Plot 1 in Buyanga, covers Kasambya, Kineka A, Kikonge, and Kidukuule villages in Buyanga Sub-county, Kibaale District.

Residents welcomed the initiative but questioned why many beneficiaries under previous phases of the programme are yet to receive their land titles despite completing the registration process several years ago

They argued that the delays have created uncertainty over land ownership and contributed to an increase in land-related disputes.

Community members also alleged that corruption within the land administration process has made it difficult for vulnerable people to access land titles, with some officials reportedly demanding bribes before processing applications.

Ibrahim John Mulumba, a resident of Kibaale Town Council, said he applied for a land title more than six years ago but has never received it.

“Some of us processed our land titles over six years ago, but they have never been released. We believe some of the delays are because people could not afford to pay bribes. Corruption among some land officers has frustrated many applicants,” Mulumba said.

He further claimed that only a few people managed to obtain land titles through the intervention of adjudication committees.

Janepher Mbabazi, a resident of Kikonge A Village, accused some government officials of promoting corruption, which she said has contributed to increasing cases of land grabbing.

Matia Birungi, the LC I Chairperson of Kasambya Village, welcomed the government’s intervention, saying the programme offers a lasting solution to persistent land conflicts affecting communities.

Augustine Bugara from the Uganda Land Commission warned officials against engaging in corrupt practices, noting that such behaviour undermines government programmes intended to improve people’s livelihoods.

“Corruption sabotages government programmes and denies intended beneficiaries the services they deserve,” Bugara said.

Vincent Kasaija, the LC II Chairperson of Kibaale, applauded the government for rolling out the programme, saying secure land ownership would promote peaceful coexistence and create a stable environment for economic development.

Kenneth Kabyanga, Chairperson of Kibaale Town Council, urged the Commission to ensure that land titling is implemented in line with the town’s physical development plan to avoid future planning challenges within the central business area.

Tom John Kasenge, a Commissioner at the Uganda Land Commission, said the programme is intended to improve community livelihoods by securing land rights and reducing land-related conflicts.

“The programme is aimed at promoting community livelihoods through agriculture by securing land ownership and ensuring communities live in a conflict-free environment,” Kasenge said.

He explained that communities who have occupied the land as bona fide occupants would eventually receive legal ownership, enabling them to invest confidently in long-term development.

Kasenge also outlined the requirements for processing land titles, noting that beneficiaries would pay processing fees ranging between Shs30,000 and Shs40,000.

He said the exercise would begin with community mobilisation, followed by boundary opening, land surveys, plot subdivision, and eventual issuance of land titles.

Responding to concerns raised by residents, Kasenge assured the community that the Commission remains committed to addressing challenges affecting the programme and finding sustainable solutions to land disputes.

Meanwhile, Kibaale Resident District Commissioner Stephen Byaruhanga acknowledged the existence of corruption within the district’s land administration system, alleging that some officials attached to the District Land Board had frustrated legitimate applicants.

“There have been corruption tendencies involving some officials, and many people have failed to benefit because of those practices,” Byaruhanga said.

He requested the Uganda Land Commission to provide his office with records from previous land title processing exercises to facilitate investigations into cases where beneficiaries never received their titles.

“Having this information will enable the security team to investigate those who frustrated the process and ensure accountability,” he added.

John Byarugaba, a staff surveyor in the Kibaale District Lands Office, said preparations for the latest land title distribution exercise had been completed.

“We already have everything in place, including survey stones, and we are ready to begin the exercise,” Byarugaba said.

He explained that under Block 244, Plot 20 in Karuguza, 912 land titles were processed and all beneficiaries received them, while under Block 178, Plot 1 in Nyamarunda Town Council, 1,517 land titles were processed, although a few remain uncollected.

He added that approximately 200 land titles under Block 244, Plot 19 in Buyaga, Karuguza, are still pending processing.

Source: nilepost.co.ug