UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Ugandan police are investigating a case of forgery and property grabbing involving a soldier of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lt Bob Semakula, and businessman Stuart Kateregga.
The duo is accused of conniving to grab the property at Wandegeya – Mulago, previously owned by deceased businesswoman Doreen Muhebwa.
Family members of the deceased led by Albinos Asiimwe, the administrator of the estate, have accused Lt Semakula, who is attached to the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), of forging documents comprising a business partnership agreement and a memorandum of understanding indicating that the late Muhebwa sub-rented the property to him.
Mr Asiimwe further said that Lt Semakula, who claims to be a partner of the deceased Muhebwa, has since taken over the bar and restaurant items from the premises without their consent and knowledge.
Police are scrutinising documents presented by Mr Asiimwe while waiting for those in possession of Lt Semakula.
Mr Asiimwe said they also reported a case of criminal trespass against Lt Semakula on January 21, but since then, he has never been brought to book.
“He (Semakula) was summoned but he has never appeared. We are living in fear,” he added.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that the Force is investigating the case and has summoned the accused persons to explain their side of the story.
“We have summoned Lt Bob Semakula and Stuart Kateregga to explain their side of the story. Lt Semakula claims to be a partner of the deceased Muhebwa, which the complainant, (Albinos) Asiimwe, disputes,” he said on Thursday, 16th March 2023.
Mr Asiimwe appealed to the authorities in the UPDF, ISO and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) to intervene and enable justice.
“We appeal to the authorities in the UPDF, ISO and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to intervene and prevail over their officer and enable justice,” Mr Asiimwe said.
The case comes amid a growing trend of land-grabbing accusations against the army and security forces in Uganda.
Last year, businessman Frank Matovu sued the Attorney General, accusing soldiers of grabbing his 10-acre land at Katabi – Entebbe in Wakiso District.
In 2017, soldiers were named before the commission of inquiry into land matters among those who allegedly grabbed 200 acres of land belonging to the Ministry of Defence at Kinyogoga Sub-County in Nakaseke.
Property grabbing and land disputes are rampant in Uganda and often lead to violent confrontations between communities, individuals, and the government. The government has attempted to address the issue by enacting laws and establishing committees to probe and resolve land disputes.
However, the implementation of these measures has been slow, resulting in a lack of trust in the judicial system and further exacerbating the problem.
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