The Resident State Attorney (RSA) of Ibanda, Ali Ssemakula, together with local police, is facing intense scrutiny over allegations of colluding with prominent businessman Vincent Mbabazi in a land dispute that has dragged on for 25 years without a court ruling.
The disputed 43-hectare piece of land in Kyembogo Cell, Kalangara Ward in Bisheshe Division has long been a source of conflict and violence. It is the same land linked to the recent mob killing of 27-year-old police officer Suleiman Chemonges, who was murdered during the burial of Lazarus Kahangire, an inmate who died at Nyabuhikye Prison.
The allegations resurfaced during a visit by the Minister of State for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, who had traveled to the area to defuse heightened tensions. During a community meeting, family representatives accused both the police and the RSA of openly siding with Mbabazi.
Speaking on behalf of the affected family, Ronald Tushabe said law enforcement has consistently acted in Mbabazi’s favor.
“The police and the State Attorney have been backing Mbabazi in grabbing our land instead of resolving the matter fairly,” Tushabe said.
He further alleged that Mbabazi has coordinated violent attacks against their family under police protection, resulting in arrests and imprisonment of some of their members.
Minister Mayanja confirmed receiving similar complaints from local leaders and questioned why Mbabazi has never faced charges despite repeated accusations.
“The Resident State Attorney is responsible for sanctioning charges, but he has never put any charge on Mbabazi for the crimes reported against him,” he said.
He also faulted the police for failing to act on a directive from an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) ordering Mbabazi’s arrest, noting that such defiance erodes public confidence in government institutions.
When contacted, Irene Nakimbugwe, Deputy PRO in the Office of the DPP, said she was not aware of the complaints but urged affected families to follow formal procedures by filing documented grievances with the Regional Officer.
Dr. Mayanja pledged to write to the DPP seeking the transfer of the Ibanda RSA and to advise the IGP to deploy new police officers to the district.
Background to the Dispute
The case, registered under HCT-05-CS-20 of 2018 (Bazeregye Sisiriya & Others vs. Vincent Mbabazi), has dragged on for more than two decades, creating deep divisions and triggering cycles of violence.
In April 2025, after the killing of a police officer linked to tensions around the land, RDC Godfrey Mbetegyereize wrote to the High Court expressing alarm over prolonged delays, warning that the unending conflict continued to destabilize the community.
As pressure mounts, residents now await decisive action from the DPP and the IGP to restore justice and stability in Kyembogo.
