Africa-Press – Uganda. The Minister of Lands, Sam Mayanja, has released a comprehensive report detailing the findings of an investigation into the controversial longstanding Bulindo-Kira land dispute.
The conflict involves over 300 residents of Bulindo and the family of the late Jafas Mukiibi Wagumbuluzi, a matter that has caused significant unrest in the region.
Addressing a packed community meeting attended by local leaders, including Kira Municipality Mayor Julius Mutebi Nsubuga, Kira Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Naboth Kagoro, and affected residents, Minister Mayanja confirmed that more than 300 freehold land titles had been lawfully issued to the residents.
He encouraged them to continue occupying their land peacefully but also advised those who feel cheated to pursue legal recourse against the sellers who misled them.
The dispute traces its origins to the actions of the late Jafas Mukiibi Wagumbuluzi, who was found to have irregularly subdivided and sold large portions of land that originally belonged to his family.
The transactions, which were made without due process, resulted in the creation of multiple conflicting land claims in the region.
Residents, who were issued with valid land titles, now find themselves in a complex and uncertain position.
Minister Mayanja emphasised that, while investigations confirm the legitimacy of the freehold titles given to the residents, the actions of Wagumbuluzi in subdividing and selling the land without proper authorization have exacerbated the situation. He suggested that anyone who feels they have been defrauded could take legal action against Wagumbuluzi’s estate.
During the meeting, local leaders expressed their commitment to resolving the dispute while ensuring the peace and security of the community.
Mayor Julius Mutebi Nsubuga welcomed the minister’s intervention, commending him for working to bring clarity to the situation. He condemned the widespread land grabbing in the area, calling on the government to hold perpetrators accountable.
RDC Naboth Kagoro assured the minister that his office had been working diligently to protect the disputed land, noting that no violence or bloodshed had occurred in the region since the government’s involvement.
Kagoro also extended an invitation to Minister Mayanja to officially present the findings of the report to the concerned parties.
One of the more emotional moments of the meeting came when Mzee Samuel Ssebina, a prominent local resident, shared the hardships the community had endured as a result of the land conflict.
He emphasised that residents were prepared to defend their land at all costs. “We will not allow anyone to take what rightfully belongs to us,” he stated.
On the other side, Jafas Mukiibi Biyimbwa, son of the late Wagumbuluzi, responded by expressing his family’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the affected residents.
Biyimbwa suggested that an open discussion could help resolve the dispute and bring about a lasting solution.
In a bid to address the broader issue of land fraud, Minister Mayanja revealed that his ministry is collaborating with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, headed by Gen. Henry Isoke.
The aim is to investigate all individuals involved in fraudulent land dealings in Bulindo and bring them to justice. The minister emphasised that those who participated in illegal land sales would face prosecution.
Mayanja’s remarks also highlighted the importance of transparency in land transactions, noting that such disputes were often exacerbated by greed and lack of oversight in the sale and distribution of land.
In a final gesture, Minister Mayanja officially handed over the report to the RDC of Kira and Mayor Nsubuga, who are now responsible for ensuring the document is distributed to the affected residents.
The minister’s office pledged to continue supporting the local authorities in their efforts to resolve the dispute, including providing legal assistance to residents who wish to challenge the sale of their land.
As the community awaits further developments, residents are urged to remain peaceful and continue to occupy their land while the government works to address the issue.
The situation remains tense, but with the release of the report and government action underway, there is hope that the dispute may finally be resolved.
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