UGANDA, Nakaseke | Real Muloodi News | Authorities in Nakaseke District are investigating an arson attack linked to a long-standing Nakaseke land dispute. The incident, which occurred on Sunday 26th January 2025 at a farm in Butibulongo Village, Kito Sub-county, left property worth an estimated USh3 billion destroyed.
According to police reports, the fire destroyed a tractor, bulldozer, wheel loader, truck, and other equipment. Suspected attackers, allegedly armed with machetes and clubs, set ablaze at least five makeshift structures containing property.
Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twineamazima confirmed that officers visited the crime scene and began investigations. “The attackers set ablaze four structures, a wheel loader, a tractor, a bulldozer, and a Pajero vehicle, among other equipment. They also looted an unspecified quantity of fuel and other valuables,” he said.
The farm, owned by commercial farmer Arnold Mayinja, was being used to clear over one square mile of land. Following the attack, police deployed additional personnel to secure the area.
Mayinja described the incident as a planned attack and said he had left the matter in the hands of law enforcement. “The attack was planned. There is no doubt about that, but we are giving time to the investigators to do their work,” he stated.
Residents have linked the arson to a protracted Nakaseke land dispute involving the contested ownership of a six-square-mile area, including the farm.
Samuel Kironde, the local defence secretary of Kito Village, explained that the land has been the subject of a court battle for several years. “The land on which that particular farm is located is part of the former six-square-mile land with a long unresolved ownership wrangle. We at one time heard that Mayinja and other parties were battling for ownership of the land,” Kironde said.
One of the injured workers, who spoke under anonymity, said the attackers struck in the early hours of the morning, masked and heavily armed. “They told us to vacate the area and then set fire to our structures,” the worker recounted.
Police have yet to make any arrests and continue to gather evidence, including statements from witnesses and local leaders.
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