UGANDA, Hoima | Real Muloodi News | The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has ordered the arrest of suspected Hoima land grabbers, directing the Resident District Commissioner and security team to take immediate action against illegal evictions.
Speaking during the belated NRM Liberation Day celebrations in Hoima District, Baryomunsi emphasized that no resident should be forced off their land unlawfully.
“I direct the Hoima Resident District Commissioner and the entire security team to arrest suspected Hoima land grabbers in the district. No one should be evicted from their land illegally,” Baryomunsi said. “We will not tolerate any form of land grabbing in this district. The rights of our people to their land will be protected.”
The directive follows increased complaints from local leaders and residents about land grabbing, particularly in Kisukuma, Kapaapi, and Kabaale sub-counties. Many affected families have reported forced evictions, allegedly carried out by individuals with political and financial influence.
The discovery of oil and gas in the Albertine region has intensified land disputes, with speculators allegedly targeting land for future developments.
In February 2023, the Lands Minister, Judith Nabakooba, halted the eviction of over 500 people from Kapapi and Kiganja sub-counties, citing concerns over illegal land transactions. Despite such interventions, cases of land grabbing have continued to rise.
Local leaders have accused powerful individuals, including those with alleged connections in Kampala, of fueling the crisis.
“Our biggest challenge as a district is land grabbing, which is being orchestrated by powerful individuals, especially those with connections in Kampala,” said Vincent Muhumuza, the Hoima District NRM Vice Chairperson.
Bugahya County Member of Parliament, Pius Wakabi, echoed similar concerns, urging the government to intensify efforts to protect residents from displacement.
The Hoima Woman Member of Parliament, Harriet Businge Mugenyi, noted that many residents had lost their land due to disputes linked to oil and gas exploration.
“A significant number of people from different sub-counties have been displaced due to land grabbing following the discovery of oil and gas in the Albertine Graben,” Businge said. “This has led to a lot of suffering among our people, and we need urgent action to address this problem.”
Hoima District Chairperson, Uthuman Mugisa, highlighted the broader consequences of land grabbing on the local community.
“Land grabbing is not only a problem for the individuals affected, but it also has a broader impact on the community as a whole,” Mugisa said. “We need to find a lasting solution to this problem, and we need to do it quickly.”
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