UGANDA, Kazinga | Real Muloodi News | Residents of Kazinga Village in Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Council, Mukono District, are facing eviction after having repossessed their bibanja (plots of land) based on orders from State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja.
The eviction is allegedly being carried out by UPDF soldiers hired by investor Ismail Muhammed, who claims ownership of the 50-acre land.
Minister Mayanja had directed the residents to return to the land during a meeting held on February 25.
However, the residents claim that the minister’s orders have not been respected, as they were chased away by UPDF soldiers when they attempted to use their land.
The investor has reportedly started marking the land and constructing roads, leading to the destruction of the residents’ crops under the supervision of soldiers.
Ms Farida Namakula, one of the affected residents, expressed her frustration, stating that she has lived on the land for over 30 years and was born there.
Despite Minister Mayanja’s directive, their crops were destroyed. The residents suspect collusion between the authorities and the investor, as the involvement of UPDF soldiers suggests a planned eviction.
The destruction caused by the evictions includes sweet potatoes, banana plantations, and cassava crops.
Mr Charles Bilinga, another resident, claimed that they sought help from various offices, including the RDC, but have received no assistance.
Ms Jalia Nakijoba, an official of the Kabaka (King) in the area, confirmed that the land is under the jurisdiction of the Buganda Kingdom and busuulu (ground rent) has been collected from the bibanja owners since 1991.
Ms Nakijoba stated that she has been receiving death threats for supporting the tenants, highlighting the danger she faces.
The affected residents have called upon President Museveni and Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja to intervene in the matter.
Minister Mayanja acknowledged being aware of the land issues in Kazinga and expressed his willingness to mediate between the Indian investor and the residents to seek a resolution.
Mukono Deputy RDC, Mike Segawa, who was accused by locals of colluding with the investor, confirmed that meetings chaired by the minister have taken place to find a mutually beneficial solution between the bibanja owners and the investor.
The land in question, located on Block 40, plots 192 and 194, also accommodates a school and a mosque.
The plight of the residents in Kazinga highlights the challenges they face in protecting their land rights and the need for government intervention to ensure a fair resolution that considers the interests of all parties involved.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Man Arrested in Nagalama for Killing Mother over Land Dispute