UGANDA, Wakiso | Real Muloodi News | Over 30,000 residents in 11 villages on Bussi Island, Wakiso District, are facing potential eviction due to a land dispute involving the alleged landlord, Mr Solomon Nsubuga Mukasa. The contested land spans three parishes: Tebankiza, Gulwe, and Bussi.
Mr Mukasa, described by local authorities as a land dealer, is reported to have separated blocks 554-571 Busiro to facilitate the issuance of certificates of title for land situated on Block 567-569, Plot 7. This land is claimed by the beneficiary of the late Adoniya Kaaya Sembuya Mukasa, the purported original owner of the estate.
The chairperson of Bussi Sub-county, Mr. Charles Mukalazi, stated that the separation of these blocks has caused significant concern among residents.
“The Ministry of Lands team previously attempted to separate the blocks, but we could not agree on the terms and procedures,” Mr Mukalazi said.
He noted that the land originally belonged to Sir Apollo Kaggwa, a former prime minister of the Buganda Kingdom.
The estate was later divided among Kaggwa’s children, who allegedly sold it to the current landlords.
Before the block separation, stakeholders in Bussi, including Ministry of Lands officials, met to discuss the issue. However, they discovered conflicts of interest that could complicate the registration of land titles.
Despite this, the Ministry of Lands officials proceeded with the separation without the consent of the current landlords and local leaders.
Mr Mukalazi advised the current landlords to unify their land title status and compile a file of all legally registered landlords to resolve the issues.
Among the affected landlords is former Workers’ legislator Dr Sam Lyomoki, who expressed concerns about the overlapping land and encroachment on Lake Victoria’s buffer zones.
Mr. William Kaddu, a landlord in Bugera Village, claimed his land, identified as Block 573 Plots 4-11, was shifted to Gulwe Village without his consent.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Michael Ondoga, another affected landlord, emphasised the need to involve district leaders to clarify the situation.
“Someone cannot just wake up one day to separate blocks. Let’s look deep into this matter and establish the truth,” he stated.
Second Lieutenant (Rtd) John Kiwanuka, chairperson of the Bussi Sub-county area land committee, criticised the separation process, saying it did not follow proper procedures and excluded key stakeholders.
Mr Mukasa asserted that the land belonged to his late grandfather, Adoniya Mukasa, who acquired it on January 26, 1952.
He claimed the land, measuring 640 acres, extends across several villages and touches the waters of Lake Victoria.
“In 2015, I was granted permission to conduct a boundary opening, and all sitting residents know our family owns the land,” he said. He further alleged that previous residents illegally sold parts of the land, creating new plots.
A source at the Wakiso Land Ministry Zonal Office (MZO) confirmed that other individuals also claim ownership of the land where Mr. Mukasa conducted the boundary opening.
These claimants sought permission from the district to carry out their boundary opening but were denied pending a meeting between both parties.
Mr. Dennis Obbo, the Lands Ministry’s principal communications officer, said they are conducting an exercise to separate blocks nationwide to correct data inaccuracies.
“No one will lose their land. After this exercise, the Office of Surveys and Mapping, in collaboration with Ministry Zonal Offices, will make a conclusive report,” he assured.
Mr Obbo emphasised that the separation process must involve all stakeholders and urged Bussi residents not to panic. “Our technical team is on the ground to do their work,” he added.
Mr. Mukalazi reiterated the need for landlords to coordinate and ensure uniformity in their land title status. The situation reflects a broader issue in Uganda, where land disputes have led to tensions and violence, especially in the central region.
Wealthy individuals with land titles often clash with poor tenants claiming ancestral rights, leading to evictions and, in some cases, violent confrontations.
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