LUWEERO — Residents of Nakawomeka in Luweero District have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to intervene in a land dispute affecting nearly 1,000 families, saying they are living under fear of eviction from land they have occupied for years.
The concerns were raised during a Parish Development Model (PDM) meeting attended on behalf of Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr JC Muyingo by his Political Assistant and ONC coordinator for the Luweero sub-region, Wasswa AbdulKarrim Tamale. Residents said the dispute extends to about three villages in the area and is threatening their homes, livelihoods and participation in Government programmes.
The residents allege that individuals they describe as land grabbers have threatened to evict them, with some allegedly claiming to have connections to security agencies while others reportedly claim links to State House.
Godfrey Lugonvu, Chairman representing the affected residents, said some community members have allegedly been arrested several times over the land dispute, describing the arrests as brutal and saying the incidents have created fear among families in the area.
Residents describe the contested land as public land and are calling on Government to establish its legal status and determine the rights of the people currently occupying it.
They said many families have lived on the land for years and depend on it for homes, farming and other economic activities. They also said a number of the affected households are beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model, raising concerns that continued uncertainty over the land could undermine their ability to benefit from the poverty-reduction programme.
Residents further alleged that some individuals involved in the dispute have claimed connections to security agencies and have made allegations about the presence of illegal firearms in the village. The claims have not been independently verified and would require investigation by the relevant authorities.
The residents also expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as an inadequate response from security authorities at Luweero District headquarters, and called for investigations into the alleged threats, arrests and competing claims over the land.
They appealed to President Museveni to intervene and directed a further appeal to Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, to help establish the legal status of the land and provide a lawful and lasting resolution to the dispute.
Speaking to the residents, Wasswa AbdulKarrim Tamale said he would take their concerns to the relevant authorities, including Minister Nabakooba, for consideration and intervention.
Wasswa said Government programmes such as PDM should not be undermined by unresolved land disputes that leave beneficiaries uncertain about their homes and productive assets.
He also urged PDM beneficiaries to use Government funds for their intended purposes and encouraged those who have benefited to support recovery mechanisms so that other eligible households can also benefit.
Wasswa further cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used in activities that could interfere with their economic progress, urging them instead to focus on productive work, skills development and community transformation.
The residents are now calling for a comprehensive investigation into the disputed land, the allegations of intimidation and arrests, and any claims concerning illegal firearms.
They say their immediate concern is to secure their homes and livelihoods while allowing the dispute to be resolved through the lawful government institutions responsible for land and security matters.
