The Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Judith Nabakooba has intervened in a land dispute where more than 500 families were evicted from their ancestral land in Hoima last week.
The families who are mostly cultivators and pastoralists were evicted by the police and private security guards. The affected residents are from the villages of Waaki North, Kapapi Central, Waaki South, and Kiryatete all in Kapapi and Kiganja sub-counties in Hoima district.
They are feuding over a piece of land measuring approximately 925 hectares with Moses Asiimwe, a tycoon in Hoima city. The residents say they are being evicted from land that they have lived on for decades.
They accuse Asiimwe of allegedly conniving with security personnel in Hoima district to take over chunks of land without following the due process of law.
During the eviction, more than 50 homes were set ablaze with animals including cows and goats looted.
In a letter dated February 15, 2023, addressed to the Head of the State house Anti-corruption unit and the Director Criminal investigations Department of Uganda Police, Nabakooba states that on February 22, 2023, she will be in Hoima district where she intends to hold locus visits in various places to listen to the concern of the people.
“On the 22nd of February 2023, I will be visiting Hoima district where I intend to hold locus visits in various places to listen to the concerns of the people. This letter, therefore, serves to instruct you to forward officers from each of your respective departments to be part of the team for the day without fail. The RDC who is also in copy herein must attend with all members of the District Security Committee, “Reads the letter.
David Karubanga, the Kigorobya County Member of Parliament says the minister’s intervention followed several petitions filed to her office by him and the affected residents.
Annet Kirabo, one of the evicted residents explains that to date they are not allowed to access their land.
William Okech, another resident wants the lands minister to immediately intervene and have them returned to their land.
Early this week, authorities in Hoima demanded the unconditional release of more than ten people who were arrested during the eviction. The ten who opposed the eviction were picked up by security personnel during the eviction and their whereabouts are unknown to date.
Those picked up are Sam Kataza, Eriya Mulega, Stephen Karongo, Stephen Rangira, Moses Muzora, Fred Kashilingi, John Muvenge, Enoch Kamugisha, Edward Karongo, and Benon Kansime among others.