Here’s what you should be aware of:
- Her neighbors and other individuals within the community are concerned that they might become the subsequent targets of land grabs because they lack the financial means to pay off local law enforcement and other officials.
Witnesses living nearby reported the situation as chaotic and distressing when the alleged perpetrator reportedly employed police officers and supposed thugs to forcibly remove the elderly Mrs. Mugala from the property she had inherited from her late husband, Yowasi Kintu, who passed away in 2022.
"Following my husband's passing, Mr. Bahati exploited our vulnerable position. Leveraging his authority and clout, he manipulated paperwork to assert control over my property. However, I am steadfast. Regardless of the challenges, I will stand firm and seek fair treatment," declared Ms. Mugala.
Ms. Mugala shared her story about being evicted, stating: "When I opposed the forcible removal from the property where we have lived since the 1970s, I was charged with illegal entry onto what should have been my rightful place. Alongside my granddaughter and daughter, I was detained in Iganga prison for half a year, without specific accusations or access to proper legal counsel."
"He arrived accompanied by a group of armed guards who threatened us with their weapons and terrorized our whole neighborhood. The mercenaries he employed demolished my house and fields, subsequently blaming me and my grandchildren for the destruction. Given my advanced years, how could I possibly possess the strength to cause such devastation?" Ms Mugala shared her experience.
"It’s a serious wrongdoing, and I call for responsibility. It’s evident that certain local officials are working alongside the landgrabbers. They’re exploiting the family’s weakness, but the community will not tolerate this. We urge the district authorities to step in and ensure justice for this senior citizen," stated Defence Secretary of Nawaka B Village, Mr. Francis Balwaine.
As stated by Mr. Balwaine, no leader has paid a visit to look into the matter, and the police have shown no inclination towards investigating this case.
"It’s evident that the failure to act stems from the family's incapability to use bribery for achieving justice. This inequity will lead to repercussions and could very well result in a loss of support for the ruling party," he noted.
During my visit to the location as a journalist, I discovered that Ms. Mugala's two-room house had been ruined, with broken windows and missing doors.
The trees surrounding her house that she had planted were likewise chopped down.
Ms. Mugala displayed for us a maize garden that had been cultivated by the individual alleged to be a landgrabber. This occurred over the span of five months when she was supposedly held in custody by law enforcement without any specific charges being filed.
Mr. Christopher Matindo, a 76-year-old retired educator serving as the information secretary for Nawaka Parish which borders Ms. Mugala’s property, expressed his concern about potentially becoming the next victim of land grabbing.
"Mr. Bahati has not resided in this area since his childhood. What justification does he have for asserting ownership of this property?" Mr. Matindo pondered.
Mr Matindo revealed that his land is adjacent to the disputed piece of land, making him a concerned neighbor.
I am concerned that if they manage to take Mrs. Mugala’s land, my property might be at risk next," he pondered. "What is even more disturbing is the lack of response from our community leaders. I wonder why they remain silent about this issue.
Mr. Moses Nsandha, one of Mrs. Mugala’s sons who is 37 years old, mentioned that they have reached out for assistance to different departments, such as the police, yet their requests have gone unanswered.
“It's like the land grabber has bought off the entire Luuka district leadership, leaving us with nowhere to turn,’’ he alleged.
"We have supported the NRM party for many years, but this event has made us realize the truth. If this is their way of repaying us—by allowing thieves to prey on those who are defenseless—then we won’t support them anymore unless there’s justice for the elderly lady," stated Mr. Godfrey Mulwa, Councilor of Nawaka Parish.
Upon being reached for comment, Mr. Bahati stated that the matter was before the courts and he refuted any participation in damaging the possessions of the senior citizen.
He asserted that he acquired the land via legitimate procedures, contending that the structure he tore down was worker housing located on his own property.
Mr. Bahati stated that he has authentic papers confirming his ownership of the property, which he mentioned covers an area ranging from 8 to 10 acres.
He rejected Ms Mugala's assertion that the contested land spans 36 acres, suggesting that she had inflated the size.
As stated by the area Police Commander, Mr Moses Akena, disputes over land are progressively turning into a significant issue in Luuka.
He mentioned that a typical situation occurs when family members, often brothers, take over properties belonging to widows or orphans following the demise of the household leader.
Mr. Akena recognized a significant increase in ethical deterioration within society, which has led to more conflicts over property.
He pointed out that the police are teaming up with Redeem International, an NGO that fights for the rights of widows and orphans. Together, they aim to return improperly seized properties to their legitimate owners via legal channels.
Over time, law enforcement has faced accusations of facilitating land grabs via corrupt practices.
Mr. Hassan Ssembarirwa, the Deputy Resident Commissioner of Luuka, mentioned that Ms. Mugala, whose property is reportedly being seized by Mr. Bahati, is presently at the RDC's office.
He pointed out that Mr Bahati has submitted five lawsuits against Ms Mugala in various courts.
Interestingly, Mr. Ssembarirwah disclosed that Redeem International, an organization focused on safeguarding the property rights of widows and orphans, is managing Ms. Mugala's case in court with backing from the RDC’s office. The aim is to help the senior lady reclaim her land.
Mr. Ssembarirwo stated that according to the police’s forensic investigation findings, the individual had created fake agreement papers. The case is currently under judicial review and is actively monitored by both Redeem International and the RDC office with the aim of ensuring the elderly lady receives fair treatment,” he added, implying that certain governmental authorities seem inactive rather than aiding Ms. Mugala, who claims she has long supported the ruling party, NRM, now in power for almost forty years.
Ms Damalie Nyafwono, a legal representative from the NGO, stated that her group had effectively obtained bail for three people charged in a land conflict case brought forth by Mr Bahati at the Kiyunga Magistrate Court located in Luuka.
"Mr. Bahati has submitted numerous lawsuits against Ms. Magala in various courts located in Iganga. Clearly, his aim is to harass and intimidate her. However, our strategy involves defending her case in all relevant forums until she receives justice," stated the lawyer.
Bribery and land seizures have turned into widespread and persistent issues across the nation, affecting mostly women and disadvantaged or impoverished Ugandans who struggle to afford justice through payments.
In their most recent annual crime report, police stated that there were 397 incidents involving land-related offenses recorded in 2024, up from 271 such cases documented in 2023. This represents a 46.5 percent rise in the number of reported crimes within this classification.
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