UGANDA, Kiruhura | Real Muloodi News | A longstanding land dispute in Kiruhura District, Uganda, has taken a new turn as President Museveni intervenes, directing the police to evict one of the feuding families.
The conflict over 640 acres of land in Omukyeera, Kimomo, Kikatsi Sub-County, Nyabushozi County, has spanned decades, claiming lives and resulting in the destruction of property worth millions.
The roots of this dispute trace back to a boundary disagreement in 1969 between the late Shalita Kosia, former bishop of East Ankole Diocese, and Mr. Christopher Kajundira.
What began as a simple dispute evolved into a complex conflict, carried on by the descendants of both men after they died in 1992 and 2005.
After unsuccessful attempts at resolution within the village and district, the matter involved the police, army, State House, and the courts.
President Museveni, on November 8, issued a directive to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) John Martins Okoth Ochola, instructing the immediate eviction of the Kajundira family.
The President highlighted that the courts consistently ruled in favour of the Kosia family and emphasised the need to end the prolonged dispute.
The conflict, known for its violent episodes, took a drastic turn on June 10, 2015, when more than 30 members of the Kajundira family were evicted from the land.
This eviction came after the family had resettled on the land they abandoned in 1999, following an earlier attack that resulted in casualties and property loss.
President Museveni’s directive is a response to the continued defiance of court rulings and allegations of illegal occupation.
The Kajundira family, led by Maj Godfrey Muhoozi Kajundira, reportedly reoccupied the land in early 2022, prompting the President to label the action as illegal.
Maj Muhoozi’s subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal sought to overturn the High Court’s verdict that led to their eviction.
The President accused Maj Muhoozi and others of collaborating with officials in the Lands Ministry to fraudulently process land titles, which he called to be immediately cancelled.
The Ministry of Lands, in response to the presidential directive, affirmed their awareness and pledged to take action against technical officers involved in the fraudulent issuance of titles.
Army spokesperson Brig Felix Kulayigye stated that the army is fully aware of the directive and will implement it. He clarified that while this is a civil matter, the army does not condone misbehaviour, and Maj Muhoozi will be surrendered to the police when required.
Police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga assured that the Force would address the actions of officers implicated in the matter.
Maj Muhoozi, in defence of his family’s position, maintained that the President lacks the full facts of the case. He called for a fair hearing, suggesting that both sides present their documents to the President while respecting the ongoing court processes.
On the other hand, Mr. Benon Mutakirwa, a son of the late bishop, expressed relief and joy at the presidential directive.
He recounted the family’s hardships, including property destruction and loss of life, and expressed hope for a resolution with the implementation of the President’s directive.
The background of earlier attempts at peace, dating back to 2009, highlights the complexity and challenges of resolving this protracted land dispute.
President Museveni’s recent directive underscores the urgency of bringing an end to the conflict through legal means and law enforcement actions.
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