Masindi leaders urge government to halt eviction of Kigulya residents

Masindi:  Local leaders in Masindi Municipality have called on the government to urgently intervene in the looming eviction of more than 1,000 residents from six cells within Kigulya Division, including Kisabau, Mirya, Kikonya, and Kyetegya.

The residents, many of whom have lived on the land for decades, now face displacement following a boundary demarcation exercise conducted by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) last week.

NFA claims the disputed area approximately 100 acres surrounding Kigulya Hill falls within the Kigulya Hill Forest Reserve.

During a community meeting organized by the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) on Monday in Kisabau Cell, local leaders voiced their concerns and urged for government intervention, stating that many affected families have no alternative place to go.

Simon Businge, the Defence Chairperson for Mirya Cell, said the sudden move by NFA has caused widespread anxiety.

“Residents are having sleepless nights. NFA has previously involved us in boundary activities, but this time they extended the reserve’s limits into our community land without consultation,” Businge said.

Milton Kutegeka, the LC3 Chairperson for Kigulya Division, added that several residents possess land titles issued by the Masindi District Local Government under the District Livelihood Support Program.

“It’s shocking that NFA is now claiming land that has legitimate titles,” Kutegeka stated, appealing to the RDC to intervene and restore the previous boundary lines.

Masindi Municipal Mayor Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the land, noting that some residents had inherited the land, invested in its development, and even buried their relatives there.

“This is ancestral land for many people. Displacing them now would be devastating,” he warned.

Responding to the concerns, Masindi RDC Darius Nandinda assured residents that no evictions would take place.

“I want to assure you that no one will be evicted from this land. I will engage the regional NFA manager, and in two weeks, we shall hold a joint meeting with the affected residents to find a solution,” Nandinda said.

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