Residents of seven villages in Lwengo District staged a protest on Friday after a former district leader, Mr. Deus Kiberu, allegedly blocked a community road that has served the area for decades.
The residents accused Kiberu of dumping heaps of stones and soil on the road, effectively cutting off access for people travelling to their homes, gardens, water sources, and workplaces.
The affected route serves villages including Kakoma, Kiteesa, Kaamazi, Katovu, and surrounding communities.
Angry residents gathered early in the morning and removed the debris, insisting that the road has existed for more than 40 years and remains a vital public access route.
“We found the road blocked when we were heading to our gardens and workplaces this morning. This road has been here for many years and is the only convenient route for people from several villages. We cannot accept being denied access,” residents said.
Some residents alleged that Kiberu has become hostile towards members of the community since losing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries last year for the position of district chairperson, claiming he has repeatedly threatened those who did not support his political ambitions.
“Ever since he lost the NRM primaries, he has been threatening residents. We believe this action is part of an attempt to punish people who did not support him politically,” residents claimed.
They also noted that alternative routes are significantly longer, increasing transport costs and travel time for farmers, students, and other road users.
“This is the shortest route connecting our villages to water sources, homes and gardens. The other roads require people to make long detours,” a resident said.
The protesters have called on government authorities to intervene and ensure the road remains open to the public.
“We want the district leadership and government agencies to investigate this matter and protect our right to use this road,” a community leader said.
Tension briefly escalated when Kiberu reportedly arrived at the scene and attempted to take photographs as residents continued clearing the blocked section of the road.
However, Kiberu defended his actions, saying the road passes through his land and that local authorities had previously engaged landowners during discussions on access routes.
Katovu Town Council was mentioned in relation to consultations over the planned access roads.
“Katovu Town Council consulted landowners when plans to create access roads were being discussed. Some residents rejected the proposal at the time, but I agreed to allow a road through my land. It is surprising that those who opposed the idea are now demanding to use it,” he said.
He maintained that he has the right to control how his land is used and warned that he could close the road again, as well as other routes passing through his property, if the dispute is not resolved.
The dispute has reignited concerns over land rights and public access routes in Lwengo District, with residents calling for urgent government clarification on the legal status of the road to prevent further conflict.