Kasese locals protest govt eviction

By Fahad Masereka

Residents of Bwenanule village in Muhokya town council, Kasese district have said they are standing  their ground against what they view as illegal encroachment on their land.

This stance comes in response to district authorities' plans to resettle flood victims from the 2020 disaster on land reportedly purchased by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The devastating floods in Kasese in 2020 resulted in significant loss of life, property, and displacement.

Thousands of families were relocated to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Muhokya town council, where they have remained for over four years.

Efforts to find permanent housing solutions for these flood victims have faced numerous delays and unfulfilled promises from the government.

Recently, it was announced that a 200-acre parcel of land had been acquired to resettle these individuals.

However, this land has become a focal point of contention between two groups.

The current occupants of the land assert ancestral claims, while another group provides legal documentation supporting their right to the property.

Residents on the land are  expressing frustration over what they call the government's forceful eviction efforts, despite an ongoing court case related to the land dispute.

The local community claims that the government is pushing forward with decisions regarding land ownership without adequately addressing their concerns or waiting for the court's resolution.

Eric Baluku , a resident of Bwenanule, voiced his discontent, highlighting that the government's actions seem to disregard the legal proceedings currently underway.

"The government looks to be forcefully evicting us since they have not given the matter enough attention," said Baluku.

The affected group is now urging the Office of the Prime Minister to intervene.

They are calling for a thorough review of the land ownership situation to determine the rightful owners before any further actions are taken.

Resty Biira , another resident, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stressing that it is crucial for the Prime Minister's office to address the issue promptly.

The local leadership, including Bwambale Lawrence, the LC1 chairperson of Bwenanule, has also expressed concerns.

They argue that displacing one group of residents to resettle another does not make sense and is counterproductive.

"It makes no sense for the government to try to resettle one group by displacing another. We need a fair resolution that respects all parties involved."

The Kasese district leadership, including Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Lt. Joe Walusimbi, is working to address the situation.

They are exploring methods to resolve the dispute without resorting to eviction.

The RDC emphasized the need for careful planning, including determining the exact number of beneficiaries and properly demarcating the plots before the resettlement process can proceed.

As tensions rise, the community remains hopeful that their appeal to higher authorities will prompt a more thoughtful and equitable approach to the land dispute.