A land dispute linked to the Matanda Irrigation Project has taken a new turn following fresh allegations by a landowner who claims that a coordinated network of officials, local leaders, and private individuals is behind what she describes as an unlawful takeover of her family land.
Mrs. Joy Christine Tusiime, a Kampala resident, has formally petitioned the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, asking for investigations into the conduct of government agencies involved in the project, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment with funding from the World Bank.
Mrs. Tusiime alleges that the valuation and land acquisition process was rushed and lacked transparency, leaving affected landowners with little opportunity for consultation or redress. She maintains that decisions concerning her land were imposed without following lawful procedures.
According to her account, tensions escalated when she declined to accept terms she considered unfair, after which she was allegedly arrested under circumstances she describes as arbitrary and intimidating. She says the incident forced her to temporarily leave the country out of fear for her safety.
She further claims that project implementers later moved onto her land, demolishing property and destroying livestock, food stores, and other belongings. Mrs. Tusiime alleges that sections of land not earmarked for acquisition were also taken over during the exercise.
In a new statement, Mrs. Tusiime has named individuals she alleges played a role in what she terms a coordinated land-grabbing effort. Among those she mentions are the Kanungu Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Ambrose Amanyire, whom she accuses of working with alleged land grabbers and certain local leaders. She also names Kamusime Ronah, Mwesigye Ambroze, LC3 and LC1 leaders from Kyamutima, as well as individuals identified as Rechal Allen and Emily, among others. These claims remain allegations and have not yet been independently verified.
Mrs. Tusiime further alleges that police officers in Kanungu District worked alongside officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment during the demolition exercise, providing security as her property was destroyed.
Despite discussions around compensation, Mrs. Tusiime insists that she never accepted nor considered it, stating that the land is ancestral family property held in trust for future generations. She argues that its cultural and familial significance was ignored during the acquisition process.
She is now calling on the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, under the leadership of Brigadier General Henry Isoke, to intervene, investigate the allegations, and address what she describes as serious irregularities. She has also warned that the project should not proceed on her land unless the dispute is resolved amicably and lawfully.
The unfolding dispute has renewed debate around land acquisition for large infrastructure projects, particularly those supported by international financiers. As attention turns to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, many observers say the case could become a key test of accountability, transparency, and respect for land rights in Uganda’s development agenda.
