Over 200 residents of Kalusiina Village in Kyabagamba Parish, Kigezi Sub-County, Gomba District, are appealing to President Museveni after they were evicted from land they claim was cleared for their return by a presidential directive.
Now living in tents at Kalusiina Government Primary School, the displaced families say they have endured days of anguish following the forced removal from Kalusiina Forest Reserve.
The eviction affected multiple villages, including Kalusiina LC1, Kyagambe LC1, Kabaale LC1, Kamugole LC1, Bujunjuzi LC1, Nyakaseeta LC1, Kigumba LC1, Kalyamawulolu LC1, and Kibaale LC1.
Community representatives Bwooya Francis and Kyomugisha Allen allege that influential individuals exploited the situation to grab the land, ignoring the President's instruction that the locals be allowed to return.
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They claim some of the alleged land grabbers have sold portions of the forest, planted trees, and erected fences, blocking original occupants from accessing their homesteads.
The residents further allege that, although President Museveni directed the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to allocate 25 acres to the affected families, the land has yet to be handed over.
Speaking from temporary shelters, Sarah Mukakatale said she is unsure how to rebuild her life after being displaced along with her children. Joseline Ndanda tearfully recounted the night they fled to save their lives.
"We are suffering. We only ask the President to help us return home as he directed," she pleaded.
Other residents, including Mukamunana Fridah and Violet Ngweera, described how their homes were demolished at night, leaving them to wander in the cold without belongings. The community also reported that livestock were killed during the eviction, further compounding their losses.
Kalusiina Forest Reserve has long been the site of conflict involving the NFA, local residents, and wealthy individuals who have established private tree plantations on the disputed land.
Residents insist they are the rightful occupants and accuse some officials of colluding with land dealers to undermine the President's directive.
As families continue to live under harsh conditions in makeshift shelters, they are urging the government to investigate the matter, hold those responsible accountable, and resettle them on the land promised by the President.
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