UGANDA, Mbarara | Real Muloodi News | Tensions have resurfaced over the long-standing Kyarwabuganda public land dispute after city authorities and security leaders warned businessman David Buryo against returning to the contested property, citing concerns over intimidation and the presentation of what officials say is a misleading court ruling.
The latest developments followed an incident in which Buryo reportedly appeared at the Kyarwabuganda site under military escort and delivered a High Court document to the local council leadership, asserting authority over the land.
City leaders and the Office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) quickly disputed the claim, maintaining that Buryo does not hold legal ownership of the property.
The land in question measures 14.619 hectares and is located in Kakoma Ward, Mbarara City North Division. City officials say it is public land registered in the name of Mbarara City Council.
Several months ago, city leaders petitioned the Commissioner for Land Registration in Kampala after alleging that Buryo had acquired a title overlapping an existing city title. Following investigations, the commissioner cancelled Buryo’s title, citing fraudulent issuance.
Buryo later challenged that decision in the High Court. City officials acknowledge that a recent court ruling reinstated his suit, but insist the ruling does not overturn the cancellation of the land title or grant him ownership.
Mbarara City North Division Mayor Gumisiriza Kyabwisho said the city’s position remains unchanged, noting that the council holds a valid title to the land. He confirmed that the city has earmarked the site for a government-approved seed secondary school, with procurement processes already completed.
Deputy RCC for Mbarara City North, Jackline Kankunda, said a security committee meeting resolved that no deployments or activities would be allowed on the land until all legal processes are concluded. She said the RCC’s office is formally communicating to security agencies to ensure the directive is enforced.
Kankunda emphasized that Buryo has been barred from accessing the land pending a final determination by the Court of Appeal, adding that authorities are keen to prevent actions that could cause fear among residents or disrupt public order.
According to city officials, the Kyarwabuganda land dispute has drawn heightened attention due to its implications for public infrastructure and urban planning in Mbarara City. Authorities say they are working with land registries, security agencies and the courts to safeguard public property and ensure due process is followed.
The matter remains before the courts, with city leaders maintaining that the earlier cancellation of the contested title stands unless overturned by a competent authority.
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