WESTERN UGANDA. Land conflicts continue to escalate in Uganda, especially in Kiruhura district, Kazo, Lyantonde, Sembabule, Mbarara and other hotspots, with most victims decrying abuse of power, corruption, intimidation, and other issues impeding justice.
In Ruyonza cell Nyakahita parish Nyakashashara sub county Nyabushozi county Kiruhura district western Uganda, the family of late Ephraim Kagisha who passed away in the 80s is currently embroiled in an escalating and bitter land dispute, with matters now in court.
Sources indicate that one, Erina Ntende Kyamazima Kagisha and her sister Barungi Diana Kagisha have allegedly teamed up to harass their stepbrother Nakura Jossy Kagisha.
WHO IS ERINA? Reports indicate that Erina (accused of allegedly fueling violence in this matter) is a lawyer attached to State House, and the spouse of Major General Don William Nabasa, the 3rd Division Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces-UPDF.
“My husband is away and busy. It is me fighting…they are ganging up against me…,” Erina can be quoted by RISE NEWS UGANDA NETWORK.
BACKGROUND OF THE MATTER: The sources and leaders in Nyakahita who preferred anonymity, confirmed that about 6 months ago, the wrangle escalated during a process to receive unspecified sum of money as compensation under the Rural Electrification Agency since their property was affected by power lines.
Jossy, who has been taking care of the land as Diane stays abroad and Elina has been away, was suspected by his sisters to be grabbing their family land, and other wrangles. The entire land is estimated to be measuring over 200 acres. Modified voice.
“They once had another case when sisters accused him of stealing their cows, but that was resolved at LC 1 level. For this land issue, they never came to LC 1 office, they started from higher courts and as locals we don’t know much,” a source intimated. Modified voice.
ALLEGED ABUSE OF POWER AND GUN VIOLENCE: In a video (courtesy) recorded on February 2, 2024, people believed to be part of late Kagisha’s family are seen tussling with armed police officers as a plain-clothes man also cocked a pistol before threatening to arrest one of the men. Our investigations confirm that the plain-clothes man is Peter Tindyeebwa, the OC CID Kiruhura district.
“You want to shoot me on my father’s land?”,one of the men shouted.
Locals say there is serious tension arising from this land wrangle.
“Sometimes we hear that Jossy has been arrested…the sisters have a lot of power…especially the one who is married to former SFC Commander Don Nabaasa,” a source explained. Modified voice.
Another source also explained that Elina uses her husband’s name in this matter. Modified voice.
According to the Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Samson Kasasira, land related matters are largely civil matters, and police comes in when criminal acts like trespass, assault, malicious damage and others are committed. He says most of the cases arise from disagreements where family members disagree on benefits from the deceased’s estates. Kasasira now implores people to always work with administrator general and other authorities to formalize land ownership and other properties when they are still alive, because delayed clarity on matters lead to violence or crime.
A 2023 report by Uganda Police Force confirmed that about 561 cases of land-related crime were reported in 2022 compared to 332 in 2021. Only 150 cases were sent to Office of Director of Public Prosecution for legal guidance.
It is evident that the poor and vulnerable in most parts of Uganda continue to be the biggest losers in the quest for justice, as the rich and powerful use their capacity to suffocate the poor.
RISE NEWS UGANDA NETWORK teams are following up on this matter.
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