It is alarming to witness those, who would have protected the country’s priceless resources, accused of their destruction.
Some perpetrators appear untouchable due to their status as big wigs or having government connections.
This troubling act surfaced recently in Masaka district, where residents petitioned the Minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba, over allegations of land grabbing involving Major General Elly Kayanja, a former commander of the Crime Crack Unit Operation Wembley.
At least 100 residents from Ddimo A and B villages in Kyesiiga Sub-county allege that Maj. Gen. Kayanja is attempting to seize 50 acres of land within the Mujuzi Central Forest Reserve.
The disputed land, managed by the National Forest Authority (NFA), includes two landing sites on Lake Victoria, which the residents say they have long used for settlement and fishing activities.
The petitioners, led by Vincent Byakatonda, the L.C.1 Chairperson of Ddimo A, claim that since November last year, General Kayanja’s group has fenced off the land and issued eviction notices demanding they vacate within 60 days.
“We don’t understand how someone can acquire land titles for a forest reserve,” Byakatonda said. “The group has even cut down traditional tree species for timber and charcoal.”
Local leaders, including Kyesiiga Sub-county Chairperson Gordon Mayanja, expressed frustration, noting that attempts to engage General Kayanja have been ignored.
“This impunity has disrupted lives and livelihoods. We call on the Minister of Lands and the Chief of Defense Forces to intervene,” Mayanja urged.
Meanwhile, residents like Jane Nabasumba and Gerald Muweesi at Ddimo Landing Site lament the loss of access to Lake Victoria, which has upended their fishing activities.
They warned of potential unrest if authorities fail to address the matter urgently.
The National Forest Authority has denied knowledge of any change in ownership of the disputed land.
Robert Mubokisa, the NFA Masaka Zonal Officer, reaffirmed that the area remains part of the Mujuzi Central Forest Reserve and promised to escalate the matter to the NFA Executive Director for further action.
However, Maj. Gen. Kayanja has dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“I obtained the certificates of ownership legally and with recommendations from local leaders,” he said, adding that he is ready to defend his position before any authority.
As the residents await government intervention, the controversy underscores a recurring struggle between protecting Uganda’s natural resources and the growing threat of land grabs by influential individuals.
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English 