Retired Brigadier-General Emmanuel Rwashande has issued a stern warning to moneylenders who confiscate people's land over unpaid loans, describing the practice as illegal, exploitative and destructive to family stability in rural areas.

Rwashande made the remarks while addressing residents at a thanksgiving ceremony held in Lwemiyaga to appreciate him for his recent parliamentary victory.

He said land grabbing by loan sharks had caused widespread suffering and pledged to confront the vice head-on.

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

"Land belongs to the entire family, the husband, wife and children. You may take vehicles or other property, but not land. That criminal practice must stop," Rwashande said amid applause from residents.

He stressed that land is a vital source of livelihood and identity for families, warning that allowing money lenders to seize it over loan defaults fuels poverty, landlessness and social conflict.

Rwashande said his leadership would prioritise protecting ordinary citizens from economic exploitation, particularly by individuals who take advantage of poverty and desperation to unlawfully acquire land.

The legislator-elect also cautioned village chairpersons against misusing government stamps and official authority to legitimise fraudulent land transactions, warning that turning public offices into tools of personal enrichment would not be tolerated.

"That stamp does not belong to an individual, it belongs to the government. Any leader who uses it for corruption is betraying the people," he warned.

Rwashande said corruption at the grassroots undermines public trust in leadership and weakens service delivery, adding that village leaders must always act in the best interest of the communities they serve.

Residents at the function welcomed Rwashande's tough stance, saying land grabbing by money lenders has become rampant in the area, often leaving families homeless and destitute.

He concluded by assuring residents that he would work closely with relevant authorities to ensure the law is enforced and that vulnerable families are protected from exploitation.