Over 400 households face eviction in Masindi

Masindi: Over 400 households in Masindi District are facing possible eviction following a land dispute affecting three villages.

The affected residents come from Kitinwa in Kijunjubwa Sub County, Kyakatera in Bikozi Sub County, and Kyamaiso in Bwijanga Sub County. The contested land measures 170 acres and forms part of a two square mile stretch that touches the three villages. The land is being claimed by Sewagude Ahamed.

Efforts to resolve the matter through a meeting convened at the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) on Thursday ended without a breakthrough.

Sylvia Karungi, a resident of Kyamaiso village, alleges that Sewagude is claiming ownership of the entire village and has had several residents arrested. She says the affected residents sought the RDC’s intervention to prevent their eviction.

Charles Byaruhanga, the defence secretary for Kyamaiso village, says he has lived in the area since 1980 and only heard of Sewagude in 1999 when he reportedly arrived with security personnel demanding a boundary reopening.

Byaruhanga alleges that Sewagude later went to court claiming ownership of the 170 acres, leaving out individuals with land titles and using what he describes as tricks to grab land from residents.

Frank Kato, the LC2 Chairperson for Kitamba Parish in Bwijanga Sub County, confirms that Sewagude is claiming 170 acres that are part of the two square miles covering the three villages. He has appealed for government intervention, arguing that wealthy individuals are taking advantage of residents who lack financial means to defend their land rights.

James Mudede, the LC3 Chairperson for Bwijanga Sub County, has urged both parties to resolve the dispute amicably. He warns that more than 400 households could be affected if evictions proceed.

However, Sewagude Ahamed maintains that his family are the historical owners of the land and says they possess documents supporting their claim. He states that after attempts to harmonize with the occupants failed, the matter will be settled in court to determine the rightful owner.

Darius Nandinda, the RDC of Masindi, confirms that he summoned both parties after Sewagude sought his intervention, alleging that some individuals had encroached on his land.

Nandinda says mediation efforts were unsuccessful and advised Sewagude to seek legal redress. He emphasized that no eviction should occur without an agreement on how occupants who have been residing on the land would be compensated.

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