A 90-year-old man has been left homeless after unknown individuals reportedly attacked and demolished his house in a suspected land dispute, prompting an emotional appeal for intervention from national leaders.
Yunusu Ssebbuufu Ssaalongo, a resident of Nabbaale II Village in Nakifuma–Naggalama Town Council, now spends his nights in the open after the home he says he built through decades of hard work was reduced to rubble. The elderly man says he lives in constant fear and struggles to sleep following the incident.
“This land is mine. My mother left it to me,” Ssebbuufu said. “Each child received their share, and some even sold theirs, including Kaweesi’s parents. I even allowed him to use part of it, but now he wants to take everything.”
Ssebbuufu accuses his son, Yusuufu Kaweesi, of being behind the destruction, alleging that he is attempting to take over the entire property despite previously expressing interest in only a portion of the land.
“He openly said he only needed a piece of the land and that I should leave him some, even offering small payments,” Ssebbuufu added. “It is shocking that he now wants to take the entire property.”
According to the elderly man, the attackers struck at night while he was away, finding only children at home before proceeding to demolish the house. Upon his return, he found his home completely destroyed.
Family members have also expressed outrage over the incident. Ali Ssenkunda, one of Ssebbuufu’s children, described the situation as both shocking and unjust.
“It is surprising that someone who has lived on his land for so long can be chased away like this,” Ssenkunda said. “Our father has even been paying land dues to Mengo, yet he is now left with nowhere to stay.”
Local leaders say the case reflects a growing trend of land-related conflicts in the area. Village chairperson Mayanja Moses attributed the dispute to individuals allegedly posing as relatives to forcibly claim land.
“The problem is caused by people pretending to be relatives and demolishing homes,” Mayanja said. “Unfortunately, the police response has not been helpful, and in some cases, they appear to side with land grabbers.”
Efforts to resolve the dispute have so far been unsuccessful, leaving Ssebbuufu vulnerable and without shelter. He has now appealed to national authorities to intervene and restore his rights, warning that the situation highlights broader challenges surrounding land ownership and the protection of the elderly.
Meanwhile, Yusuufu Kaweesi, who has been accused of orchestrating the demolition, has responded to the allegations, though full details of his response were not immediately available at the time of publication.
The incident underscores persistent concerns over land wrangles in Uganda, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, and raises questions about the enforcement of property rights and access to justice at the local level.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
