UGANDA, Luweero | Real Muloodi News | An 84-year-old woman who was recently remanded to prison over a land dispute in Luweero District has been released after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms Jane Frances Abodo, intervened in the case.
In typical situations, the responsibility of prosecuting Ms. Nabaseruka, who had been remanded until June 8 on charges of malicious damage, would lie with the State Attorney.
However, in this instance, Ms. Abodo appeared before the Luweero Chief Magistrate, Ms. Marriam Sserwanga Nalugya, and declared the withdrawal of the charges against the elderly woman, leading to the dismissal of the Luweero land dispute case and Ms Nabaseruka’s immediate release.
“We ask for a production warrant to have the proceedings against the accused (Kevina Nabaseruka) discontinued,” the DPP said.
The magistrate subsequently confirmed the withdrawal of charges.
“The DPP has withdrawn the charges against the suspect. The case is dismissed and the file is closed. The accused is released immediately,” the magistrate said.
Kevina Nabaseruka had been remanded along with another relative after their arrest on charges of trespass and malicious property damage.
Nabaseruka claimed ownership of a 15-acre piece of land that she had inherited from her father in 2017. She alleged that a family member colluded with a land buyer to forcefully dispossess her of the land, evicting her and destroying her house.
After the story of Nabaseruka’s case was reported in the media, several stakeholders expressed concern. The local LCI chairperson for Kyakatula Village in Kikyusa Sub County, Mr Dissan Kibirabira, attempted to mediate the situation by urging the new landlord to consider allocating at least four acres of land to the elderly woman.
However, his efforts were unsuccessful. Mr Kibirabira also highlighted the lack of communication and consultation with local leaders.
“It’s surprising that even at the time of her arrest, my office was not informed. It is a big shame that leaders are never consulted on matters that need clarification by the LC1 Chairperson”
Luweero Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Richard Bwabye, has demanded an explanation from the police regarding the circumstances of Nabaseruka’s arrest and to produce the complainant in the case.
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