UGANDA, Nakasongola | Real Muloodi News | In an unprecedented move, Nakasongola District authorities executed a mass eviction, displacing approximately 2,000 individuals who had set up camp on a 10-acre plot in Kikoiro Village, Lwampanga Sub-county, between December 15 and 16 of the previous year.
The Nakasongola District security committee cited security concerns as the primary reason for the eviction, contending that the settlers were brought to the village by self-serving individuals who falsely promised each family 15 acres of land for resettlement.
The district leaders claim that Mr Milton Twehangane, the purported leader of the group, defrauded the settlers of an undisclosed amount by misleading them about land purchase.
Mr Twehangane, however, maintains that he acquired the land to settle the group in Nakasongola and other areas.
Mr. Saleh Kamba, the Resident District Commissioner and head of the district security committee, dismissed Mr. Twehangane’s assertions, questioning the legitimacy of the resettlement plan.
Mr Kamba expressed scepticism about Mr Twehangane’s intentions, emphasising that if the resettlement plan was genuine, proper channels should have been followed, including informing Nakasongola authorities and local leaders in Lwampanga Sub-county.
He criticised the unauthorised settlement, raising concerns about potential disasters arising from illegal and disguised resettlement.
The district chairperson, Mr. Sam Kigula, revealed that the group was transported from over six districts within three days, lured with promises of resettlement in Nakasongola.
The settlers found themselves on a 10-acre land without essential facilities, such as pit latrines, water, and adequate shelter, leading to the declaration of their camp as an unauthorised settlement.
The Savannah regional police spokesperson, Mr. Sam Twinamazima, stated in a police release on December 23 that the eviction of the Mpokya group, led by Mr. Twehangane, was carried out peacefully under the guidance of the district security committee.
He highlighted the inadequate facilities on the small piece of land occupied by the group, indicating an ongoing police investigation into the matter.
According to police reports, the group originated from various districts, including Kakumiro, Kibale, Sembabule, Kyegegwa, Kagadi, Buhweju, Kabarole, and Bunyangabu.
Initially evicted from Mpokya Forest Reserve by the government in 1992, the group had temporarily resettled in Rwimi government prison land, and later about 7,000 were relocated.
The remaining 24,000 members, dispersed across different parts of the country, regrouped under Mr. Twehangane’s leadership, forming the Kitara Resettlement Association of Mpokya Limited.
Mr. Twehangane reportedly purchased 53 acres of land in Nakasongola to resettle over 5,000 people, a move that deviated from known government procedures.
The security committee reported the unfortunate death of four individuals from the group, who were buried in Kikoiro, with the cause of death left uninvestigated.
While sources from the group claimed they had contributed money to Mr Twehangane under Kitara Resettlement Association Ltd for land acquisition, the authenticity of the relocation and resettlement process remains under scrutiny.
The displaced settlers are reported to have dispersed to various districts, including Mubende, Kakumiro, and Sembabule, with the aftermath of the eviction leaving questions about proper resettlement procedures and the welfare of the affected individuals.
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