Late Tuesday evening, soldiers from the State House Land Commission, led by Brigadier Moses Lukyamuzi, stormed the Wakiso District Police station in a brutal assault residents describe as chaotic and forceful.
This attack marks the latest escalation in a long-running land dispute in the area.
The clash followed the police arrest of several individuals accused of forcibly evicting residents from contested land in Kasangoombe.
Soldiers, acting on behalf of the arrested, demanded their immediate release from Police Commander Esther Kizza.
When she refused, the soldiers overwhelmed the police station, engaged officers physically, and fired live ammunition, sparking panic among local residents.
While the number of injuries remains unclear, residents say several people were hurt, and the military arrested others during the chaos.
Police have yet to disclose official figures on casualties.
The land dispute centres on a plot claimed by multiple parties.
Long-term residents assert rightful ownership, accusing Michael Mwebesa Dondo, owner of Kenjoy Supermarket, of exploiting military connections to force evictions.
They claim Andrew Malomba is the legitimate landowner and that recent eviction attempts lack legal basis.
Teddy Nambi, a resident, said, “We’ve been living here for years. They came with soldiers, beating people, threatening us, and destroying homes. They use force and intimidation to take our land.”
Similar testimonies reveal widespread fear and desperation.
The use of military force contradicts legal norms governing land disputes, raising serious concerns about abuse of power and undermining the rule of law.
The incident highlights urgent need for impartial, transparent mechanisms to resolve land conflicts without violence.
Authorities’ response has been slow and disorganised.
The military initially declined comment, and police delayed issuing an official statement, heightening community anxiety.
Reinforcements from Kakiri Barracks and Kawempe Regional Police, led by Commander Steven Nanoka, later confronted soldiers operating in two vehicles.
After a tense standoff in Nansana’s Yesu Amala area, 15 soldiers were arrested. Reports indicate shots were fired during this secondary confrontation.
Samuel Lutwe, lawyer for Andrew Malomba, criticised the military court’s role in prosecuting the soldiers, arguing they acted under orders and should not bear sole responsibility.
This adds complexity to the investigation, suggesting involvement of senior figures.
Civil society groups and human rights activists have condemned the attack, calling for an independent investigation into Tuesday night’s events and the broader issue of military involvement in land disputes.
Many fear the incident reflects a dangerous pattern of military interference in civilian matters, jeopardising security and the rule of law.
Police confirmed the arrest of 13 soldiers linked to the attack but provided no details on charges or investigation timelines, fueling residents’ fears of retaliation and demanding increased protection.
This is not an isolated event. Recent months have seen similar military-backed evictions in Wakiso, including attacks on local leaders opposing forced removals and assaults on other police stations.
Such incidents indicate systemic military overreach and complicity in land grabbing.
The Wakiso clash raises urgent questions about accountability in Uganda.
Using military force to settle land disputes threatens democratic governance and citizens’ safety.
Calls are intensifying for army commander General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to intervene, hold responsible soldiers to account, and prevent future abuses.
The long-term effects on Kasangoombe and civil-military relations remain uncertain, but the community’s current mood is one of fear and deep mistrust.