More than 2,000 residents of Kapapi and Kiganja Sub-counties in Hoima District are calling on President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in a bitter land dispute that saw them evicted early last year.
The affected families, mainly cultivators and pastoralists, were removed from about five square miles of land covering the villages of Waaki North, Waaki South, Kapapi Central, Runga, and Kiryatete.
According to community leaders John Ucowun and Salvatore Ukumu, the eviction team—comprising police officers and private guards burned homes and killed livestock during the February 2023 operation. Many families have since been forced to shelter under trees, on verandahs, or squeeze in with relatives.
▶️ : :evictees on help – Luganda
One of the evictees, Fred Gatasa, told reporters that despite several ministerial visits, the displaced have not received any meaningful support. He alleged that even after a directive allowing them to return to their land, police officers warned them of deadly consequences if they attempted to do so.
▶️ : Gatasa on help – Luganda
▶️ : Gatasa on Muhoozi – Luganda
Gatasa appealed to President Museveni and the First Son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to order the withdrawal of UPDF soldiers who are currently guarding the disputed land.
Meanwhile, a State Minister who visited the residents last month reminded local leaders and security officers of a presidential directive issued on February 22, 2023, prohibiting illegal evictions. The Minister ordered the arrest of those who oversaw the operation, including Hoima Deputy RDC Michael Kyakashari.
▶️ : Minister on return – Luganda
▶️ : Minister on protection – Luganda
He further instructed the RDC and the District Police Commander to ensure that the residents are safely returned to their land and protected from further harassment.
