KANUNGU, UGANDA — What was meant to be a beacon of development in southwestern Uganda has become a source of anguish for a family in Kanungu District. The Matanda Irrigation Dam Scheme, a flagship project funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, is now under scrutiny over alleged irregular land acquisition, coercion, and questionable compensation.
At the centre of the dispute are two relatives — Mrs. Kyahamutima Annan (85), who still lives on the disputed land in Ibarya Cell, Kinkizi Sub-county, and Mrs. Joy Christine Tusiime, who currently resides in the United Kingdom. The women claim their ancestral land was taken under fraudulent circumstances and that government officials mishandled the entire compensation process.
Questionable Compensation Process
According to the family, officials claimed to have compensated them with UGX 1.2 billion, yet only UGX 500 million was ever deposited into Mrs. Tusiime’s account. Authorities reportedly informed her that the balance had been sent to Mrs. Kyahamutima’s account — money she says she never received.
“Our land was taken without a valuation report, without boundaries being opened, and without our consent,” said Mrs. Kyahamutima from her home in Kanungu. “They claimed we had sold it, but I never signed anything. Even the caveat placed on the land was ignored.”
The property, located on Plot 2, Block 54, Ibarya Cell, carries a caveat — a legal restriction that prohibits any sale or transaction. Despite this, documents were processed and compensation approved without following due process, raising serious questions about the integrity of the acquisition.
Forced Signing and Threats
When Mrs. Joy Christine Tusiime traveled from the UK to Uganda to follow up on the issue, she says she was coerced into signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by officials who insisted that the deal was already complete.
“They told me the matter was settled and that I just needed to sign,” Mrs. Tusiime said. “But when I checked, only five hundred million was in my account, not the 1.2 billion they talked about. When I started asking questions, I began receiving threatening messages.”
Fearing for her safety, Mrs. Tusiime returned to the United Kingdom after receiving signs of possible assassination from individuals believed to be linked to local political interests.
Officials Under Spotlight
Community members allege that several district and security officials were aware of the controversy, including former RDC Hajji Ssekandi Shafik, current RDC Amanyire Ambrose Twesigye, and the District Police Commander (DPC). However, no concrete action has been taken to protect the family or resolve the matter.
“This case shows how the most vulnerable — women and the elderly — are often the ones who suffer when land is grabbed in the name of development,” a local elder commented. “If these women can’t find justice, who will?”
Appeal for Intervention
The family is appealing to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the Minister of Lands, and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to intervene and order a thorough investigation into how the Matanda Irrigation Dam Scheme compensation was handled.
They also urge the World Bank, as the main funder, to ensure that its projects do not enable land injustices and to review all compensation procedures tied to the Matanda Scheme.
“The World Bank must uphold its principles of transparency and fairness,” said Mrs. Tusiime from London. “Projects should uplift communities, not silence them.”
A Family’s Cry for Justice
The land in question originally belonged to the late Burasiyo Bamuturaki, the family’s patriarch. To his descendants, it represents far more than property — it is heritage, history, and identity.
“I have lived here all my life,” Mrs. Tusiime said softly. “This land is our story. I only pray that before I leave this world, justice will be done.”
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