Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has ordered the arrest of individuals accused of intimidating and forcefully evicting bibanja holders from disputed land in Lugazi Municipality, Buikwe District.
The directive led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Moses Kaziba and Tonny, during a community meeting held in Bamungaya Village to address the protracted land dispute.
The operation was conducted in coordination with the Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President and Buikwe District Woman Member of Parliament, Diana Mutasingwa.
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The meeting was also attended by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, and the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda.
Residents accused the two suspects of leading a group allegedly hired to evict bibanja holders from the contested land through intimidation and violence.
They also alleged that the group had blocked village access roads and routinely harassed residents attempting to use them.
According to residents, families occupying the land have lived under constant fear, claiming they have been subjected to threats, assaults and torture, particularly during night-time attacks.
"We have lived on this land for many years, but today we are living in fear. We have never received any court order asking us to leave, yet people come at night to beat and threaten us," one resident told the meeting.
Others alleged they had been forcibly evicted from their homes, which are now occupied by the people they accuse of carrying out the evictions.
"Some of us no longer sleep in our own homes because we were forcefully chased away. The people who evicted us are now occupying our houses," another resident said.
Lugazi Municipality Mayor Willy Kiwanuka said he had previously attempted to inspect the disputed land but alleged that Kaziba blocked him from accessing the area and warned him to leave.
The dispute centres on approximately 320 acres of land reportedly purchased by Simbaland Investments from the Muyombya Wakigadya family.
According to information presented during the meeting, five members of the family agreed to the sale while one objected.
Representatives of Simbaland Investments maintained that the company legally acquired the land and compensated all lawful tenants. They also said the investment was known to President Yoweri Museveni and had been introduced through Minister Minsa Kabanda.
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Addressing residents, Diana Mutasingwa said government supports investment but insisted that development must not come at the expense of citizens' rights.
"We are not against development, but we want justice. If the investor followed the law, then our rights as bibanja holders should also be respected," she said.
Mutasingwa also questioned why individuals alleged to be hired enforcers were operating on the land if the acquisition had been conducted lawfully.
Nabakooba condemned the use of intimidation and violence in resolving land disputes, saying all disagreements should be handled through lawful institutions.
She directed the Buikwe District Police Commander to arrest all individuals implicated in acts of intimidation and ensure they vacate the disputed land as investigations continue.
The minister also pledged to convene a meeting with all parties claiming ownership of the land in a bid to find a peaceful resolution.
Following the meeting, Kaziba and his co-suspect were taken to Lugazi Police Station to record statements as police investigations continue.
