By Namuli N. Racheal
Over 50 residents are living in fear after their plantations were destroyed in Zziba–Mabamba Village, Kasanje Town Council, by unknown individuals on a disputed 840-acre piece of land.
According to locals, many residents have lived on this land for several years, with some claiming it holds their ancestral burial grounds.
About a week ago, the home of a resident identified as Kyampaire Allen was demolished in the early hours of the night. Allen and her children were reportedly severely beaten during the incident, forcing other residents to flee and seek refuge at Entebbe Police Station.
The situation prompted the Entebbe District Police Commander (DPC), Moses Karakire, to convene a meeting in Zziba–Mabamba to listen to residents’ concerns. These included allegations of assault, forced evictions, and continued brutality.
During the meeting, residents said they had heard rumors that the land belongs to the Catholic Church under the Kampala Archdiocese. However, they argued that their eviction is unlawful, noting that they have occupied the land since as early as 1940. They added that claims of the land belonging to the Church are new to them.
Residents also accused an individual identified as John Kiwanuka of orchestrating the attacks. They alleged that he claims to act on behalf of the Catholic Church and has deployed security guards to block them from accessing their land and food sources.
The affected residents have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to intervene and help them obtain justice.
They also raised concerns about alleged intimidation of priests from Buyege Catholic Church who have reportedly attempted to support them. Residents are demanding that Kiwanuka be held accountable for the alleged atrocities.
In his remarks, DPC Karakire called upon the Catholic Church (Kampala Archdiocese) to visit Zziba–Mabamba and clarify the allegations regarding the eviction claims. He emphasized the need for a prompt response to prevent further violence, food insecurity, and restricted access to farmland.
In an interview, Rev. Father Ssajjabbi Mark Richard, who oversees land matters in the Kampala Archdiocese, confirmed that the land in question belongs to the Church. He stated that it was donated years ago by a late Senkatuuka and that over 200 residents are lawfully registered occupants.
Father Ssajjabbi added that the land is managed by Buyege Parish, noting that some individuals are attempting to settle on it illegally. He encouraged anyone with concerns regarding the land to contact the Church offices for assistance.
