UGANDA, Kayunga | Real Muloodi News | In a bid to address the simmering conflict over a disputed land parcel, security chiefs have intervened in the Ssabanyala-siblings land wrangle.
The feud involves the Banyala cultural leader, Maj Baker Kimeze, and some of his siblings who allege fraudulent land sales by the former.
The contested land, measuring approximately 572 acres in Nabityanka Village, Bbaale Sub-county, Kayunga District, became a flashpoint last month, prompting the deployment of UPDF soldiers by GM Sugar to safeguard its properties.
The land, subject to controversy, was purportedly sold to GM Sugar by Ms Sarah Nanyonga, the administrator of the late Adam Kikonyongo’s estate.
However, Ssabanyala’s siblings claim that the cultural leader was involved in the sale. The dispute escalated when the siblings attacked UPDF soldiers, leading to their arrest.
To address the mounting tensions, security chiefs from the Ssezibwa region, along with Kayunga District leaders and Bunyala Kingdom officials, convened a meeting with Ssabanyala at his Kyerima Village palace in Kitimbwa Sub-county. The meeting aimed to hear both sides of the dispute and seek a resolution.
Among the attendees were the Ssezibwa region police commander, the regional internal security officer, the regional crime intelligence officer, the Kayunga District NRM chairman, the Kayunga DPC, the Kayunga RDC, and the Bunyala kingdom Premier.
The directive for the meeting came from Prime Minister Ms Robinah Nabbanja.
The siblings, who had been arrested in connection with the previous assault on UPDF soldiers, are currently stationed at the disputed land, refusing to vacate until their grievances are addressed.
During the meeting, Ssabanyala presented his father’s will as evidence that the 572-acre land in question was not a family property.
Late Nathan Mpagi’s will, according to sources, meticulously detailed all family property, and the disputed land was conspicuously absent. This revelation challenges the siblings’ claim that Ssabanyala sold family land without proper authorization.
Moreover, a letter dated March 2011 from President Museveni to the then Attorney General Peter Nyombi was brought to the fore.
The letter addressed concerns raised by Hon. Mariam Najjemba, another claimant to the same land. In the letter, President Museveni urged the Attorney General to explore a peaceful resolution, including compensation for Hon. Najjemba.
However, the Ssabanyala alleges that the promised compensation never materialized.
Ssabanyala vehemently denies the accusations, asserting that he would not sell land that didn’t belong to him.
On the other hand, Mr Fred Sseruzi, the chairman of the late Mpagi’s family, insists that the cultural leader exploited his position to sell the land and calls for government intervention to reclaim their purportedly sold property.
Bunyala kingdom spokesperson, Mr. Derrick Kaddu, dismissed the allegations against the cultural leader as baseless and suggested that if the siblings have evidence, they should pursue legal recourse.
As the security intervention seeks to de-escalate tensions, the Ssabanyala-siblings land wrangle continues to unfold with legal and familial intricacies.
The outcome of this dispute will not only impact the individuals involved but may also set precedents for land disputes in the region.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Kayunga Residents Disarm and Confront UPDF Soldiers in Land Dispute
