HOIMA DISTRICT – Returnees settled on the disputed Kapapi land in Kigorobya County, Hoima District, say they fear a new wave of evictions following a closed-door security meeting held Monday at Buhamba Trading Centre in Kitoba Town Council.
The February 16, 2026 meeting brought together more than 20 affected residents, senior security officials from the Albertine region, and other stakeholders. Journalists were barred from covering the discussions.
After the meeting, several residents said they left more anxious than reassured, claiming the discussions appeared to centre on the possible withdrawal of soldiers deployed to protect them.
“WE WERE BRUTALLY EVICTED BEFORE” – RETURNED RESIDENTS
Mr Stephen Karongo, one of the returnees, said removing soldiers deployed by Brig Gen Daniel Kakono under the directive of State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Sam Mayanja, would leave them vulnerable.
“Police failed to protect us and we were brutally evicted in 2023. Our only hope has been in Gen Kakono’s deployed forces and the presidential directive communicated through the minister,” Mr Karongo said.
He also expressed concern over remarks made during the meeting attended by Mr Nzaire Kaguta, brother to President Yoweri Museveni. Mr Nzaire’s name does not appear in official documents relating to the Kapapi dispute, and he has not publicly claimed the land.
Audio: Karongo on re-eviction (Runyankole/Rukiga)
CALLS FOR PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION
Another resident, Mr David Kayongo of Runga, said the dispute now requires direct intervention from President Museveni, arguing that ministerial directives are being undermined.
“They read to us a letter claiming that the minister regretted having made a mistake in his earlier orders on Kapapi land. That alone shows we are not safe,” Mr Kayongo said.
He added that the matter has become increasingly complex, alleging involvement of multiple powerful interests beyond Brig Gen Peter Nabasa.
Audio: Kayongo on appeal (Runyankole/Rukiga)
FARMERS SAY UNCERTAINTY IS HURTING LIVELIHOODS
For many residents, the uncertainty is disrupting daily life and agricultural planning.
Ms Madina Nyanjura, 30, said she has been unable to prepare for the planting season due to looming eviction threats.
“I was born here and I have nowhere else to go. I cannot even plan for planting because we don’t know what will happen,” she said.
“We shall die here because now we have nowhere to go,” Ms Nyanjura added.
Audio: Nyanjura on looming re-eviction (Runyoro/Rutooro)
RDC DISMISSES WITHDRAWAL CLAIMS
Hoima Resident District Commissioner Mr Rogers Mbabazi dismissed claims that soldiers deployed by Brig Gen Kakono are being withdrawn.
“I cannot share the details of the meeting before I receive the official minutes, but the soldiers are not being withdrawn and there is no current plan to remove them. Residents should remain calm,” he said.
Kapapi Sub-county Chairman Mr Fred Mbabazi, who did not attend the meeting, declined to comment on its resolutions but maintained that the minister’s directives remain in force until a final settlement is reached.
Audio: Mbabazi on law (Runyoro/Rutooro)
NABASA INSISTS ON EVICTIONS
Last week, Brig Gen Peter Nabasa reaffirmed his intention to evict individuals he accuses of encroaching on 700 acres he says he legally leased from the family of the late Tito Byangire.
According to him, residents occupying the two square miles reportedly allocated to the community by the Byangire family will not be disturbed. However, he insists others must vacate the portion he claims.
“The returnees remained there during the election season, and I expected them to leave after campaigns and elections. Now it is planting season, and I have moved to fence off my land,” he said.
Audio: Nabasa on land ownership (English)
MINISTER PREVIOUSLY ORDERED ARRESTS
In October last year, during a visit to the returnees’ camp, Minister Sam Mayanja ordered the arrest of several high-profile figures implicated in the conflict, including Brig Gen Nabasa, Capt. Rogers Karamagi, former Hoima Deputy RDC Michael Muramira Kyakashari, and Mr William Ndahura Gafayo.
The minister said he was implementing a presidential directive halting all evictions on contested land and directed Brig Gen Kakono, Commander of the Field Artillery Division in Masindi, to ensure the returnees’ safety and disarm any negative elements on the property.
Local sources estimate the disputed land spans approximately 10 square miles across six villages, underlining the scale and sensitivity of the long-running Kapapi land conflict.
