UGANDA, Nakawa | Real Muloodi News | The State House Anti-corruption Unit (SHACU) has initiated investigations into a land dispute affecting over 4,000 residents across three villages in Nakawa Division, specifically in Banda B, Kinawataka, and Kiganda areas within Kira Municipality and Kampala City.
The intervention by SHACU follows a petition submitted by more than 3,000 Nakawa residents and local leaders, who have raised concerns about potential eviction threats allegedly orchestrated by the Uganda Police Force, which claims ownership of the contested land.
Officials from SHACU conducted a visit to the affected area last week, gathering statements from residents and taking measures to prevent any imminent evictions “until the ownership of the land is clearly established.”
In an interview on February 6, Ms Mariam Natasha Oduka, the spokesperson for SHACU, stressed the importance of conducting thorough investigations to ascertain the rightful ownership of the land. She confirmed that no arrests had been made as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Ms Oduka revealed that SHACU had received a petition representing the grievances of residents from four villages: Banda B, Kinawataka, Kiganda, and Kasokoso.
She urged the affected residents to remain calm, emphasising that dialogue and amicable resolutions were being pursued, with updates expected to be communicated promptly.
Residents expressed apprehension over the looming threat of eviction, citing heightened police presence reminiscent of previous eviction attempts.
Many have inhabited the land for over two decades and possess legal documentation supporting their claims to ownership.
The tension escalated in late 2023 when the police conducted evictions in Kiganda, displacing over 400 individuals under the assertion of police ownership of the land.
Tragically, one individual lost their life during protests against the evictions on November 13, 2023.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, addressing reporters on November 14, 2023, defended the operations, stating that they targeted individuals deemed ineligible to reside on the land, including civilians, private security guards, businesses such as bars and salons, clinics, retired police officers, and officers who had been transferred.
The matter drew the attention of Ms Hadijah Namyalo, a senior presidential advisor, who expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the situation and emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution.
She condemned the displacement of citizens within the country and urged the Uganda Police to abide by the nation’s laws, particularly regarding the relocation of affected individuals.
Ms Namyalo, also serving as the head of ONC, encouraged community members to unite and present a petition outlining their grievances to relevant authorities for further action and resolution.
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