President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has stepped in to resolve a longstanding land dispute in Kiboga District, involving a group of departed Asians and Badiru Mwanje.
The disputed land, situated in Lwankonge village, Kiboga East, has been a subject of controversy due to double titling and unlawful eviction.
According to Presidential Advisor- Police Affairs, Susan Kasingye, the land dispute involves a mailo title held by Mwanje Badiru for over 30 years, while a group of departed Asians claim a freehold title dating back to the 1930s .
Kasingye explained that Mwanje has occupied the land, but recently, Patrick Ainebyona, representing the departed Asians, evicted Mwanje without following the law.
President Museveni emphasized that the eviction was wrong and stressed the importance of following the law.
“Even if I had not given a directive on land evictions in 2022, when there’s a dispute, who decides the rightful owner of the land? It is the Court,” he said.
Museveni also questioned the powers of Ainebyona and his group, describing their action as usurping the powers of the country.
The President ordered all involved parties to make statements and directed the arrest of Ainebyona and his group for trespassing.
Museveni instructed Mwanje to reoccupy the property as the law takes its course.
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, revealed that the land measures 640 acres and was registered in 1932 under Chikamchadi Shaar Limited.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms. Jane Frances Abodo, stated that the issue involves a block with two plots, and they are awaiting a survey report to establish the exact plot being contested.
The Head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, indicated that Ainebyona may face charges of forceable entry, criminal trespass, malicious damage, theft, and assault.
Kiboga East Member of Parliament, Hon. Keefa Kiwanuka, alleged that Ainebyona beat him up and ordered him to undress during the eviction.
The LC1 Chairperson of Lwankonge, Ham Kizza, thanked President Museveni for intervening in the land dispute, which had been unresolved for ages.
