UGANDA, Rukiga | Real Muloodi News | A 90-year-old man and his family in Rukiga District, situated in the Kigezi Sub-region, have lodged a petition with President Museveni, alleging that the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Fred Nayebare, is complicit in the illegal seizure of their 18-acre land.
In the petition submitted to State House on February 7, Mzee Veleriano Kambamu Kibahingire and his family assert that Mr. Nayebare is disregarding a court order issued on September 28, 2023, which halted his efforts to evict them from their land.
The disputed property, Block 44, Plot 159 in Nyamabaare Cell Rwenyangi Parish, Kamwezi Sub-county, has become the focal point of a bitter legal battle.
Expressing their frustration with previous attempts to address the situation, the petition implores President Museveni to intervene and ensure that justice is served.
Ms Mary Kibahigire, on behalf of the family, appeals to the President to uphold the rule of law and safeguard their rightful ownership of the contested land.
Kabale Chief Magistrate Derrick Byamugisha has scheduled a mention of the case for March 30, as the affected family seeks the arrest of RDC Nayebare and eight others for alleged contempt of court orders.
Furthermore, April 17 has been designated for the delivery of a ruling regarding the appeal filed by the Rukiga RDC and his co-accused against the interim order favouring the affected family.
Chief Magistrate Byamugisha issued an interim order on October 6, 2023, restraining Nayebare and his associates from encroaching on the disputed land pending the final determination of the case.
However, the family’s lawyer, Mr. Collins Nuwagaba, alleges that the defendants, guided by Nayebare, trespassed on the land and subsequently sought to appeal the interim order.
Mr. Nuwagaba asserts that legal action for contempt of court has been initiated against the accused parties, with a scheduled mention on March 20 preceding the full hearing.
Conversely, Mr. Godwin Kumwesiga, representing Nayebare and the co-accused, plans to finalize submissions by March 13, awaiting the court’s ruling on April 17.
In addition to contesting the land’s ownership, Mr Kibahigire seeks redress for damages incurred, including the destruction of property valued at millions of shillings.
The petition seeks a declaration of trespass, a permanent injunction against the defendants, and compensation for both special and general damages.
When approached for comment, RDC Nayebare refutes the accusations, asserting that the Kabahigire family is exploiting their wealth to unlawfully acquire land.
He remains resolute in his position, stating that ongoing investigations will soon result in the apprehension and prosecution of the family members involved.
As legal proceedings unfold, the dispute underscores the complex nature of land ownership and the challenges of resolving such disputes through legal channels.
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