An elderly woman, Betty Nakabunga, has been remanded to Kigo Prison for two days following her arrest over allegations of illegally selling family land containing the graves of her late grandfather, sparking outrage among relatives in Wakiso District.
Nakabunga was arrested after family members of the late Sofia Namutebi lodged complaints with local council authorities and police, accusing her of disposing of ancestral land without their consent.
The matter was presented before Wakiso Magistrate’s Court, where she was formally charged as investigations continue.
Family spokesperson Jamiru Lutabi said Nakabunga took advantage of the family after the death of their father.
“She came to this land claiming she was looking after our sick father, but after his death, she turned around and claimed ownership of the land,” Jamiru said. “We were shocked to discover that the land had already been sold.”
Hajj Ali Jamiru, with his mother Lukayiya Nakibuuka and Hajjat Rehema Meeme, claimed Nakabunga later disowned the family and denied knowing them when confronted.
“When we approached her, she acted as if she didn’t recognize us,” Hajj Jamiru said. “That is when we decided to report the matter to the LC leadership and police.”
The family further claims that the land, which holds their grandparents’ graves, has been subdivided into plots and developed with residential houses.
“Our grandparents are buried there, but now everything has been turned into plots,” Lukayiya Nakibuuka lamented.
“This is not just about land; it is about our heritage and respect for the dead.”
Nakabunga was arrested the same day the complaint was filed and later arraigned before court. The decision to remand her has given the family hope that justice will prevail.
“We believe court will help us get justice,” Hajjat Meeme said. “We want the truth to come out and the land protected.”
Police say investigations into the matter are ongoing, while the court is expected to hear the case on its next scheduled date.
