Residents living in Nsowe Forest in Gomba District have been thrown into panic after unknown attackers raided their communities overnight and mutilated livestock, particularly cattle.
The affected residents, mainly from Kalusiima and Kalyamawolu villages, said they woke up to find their animals severely injured or dead.
“We found our animals butchered in the night. We don’t know what will happen next,” one distressed resident said.
Many locals suspect that wealthy tree plantation owners could be behind the attacks, accusing them of attempting to force them off the land.
“These are the same people planting eucalyptus trees. They don’t want us here,” another resident alleged.
The residents have appealed to President Museveni to intervene and strengthen security, noting that he had previously directed them to return to the disputed land.
“We came back here following the President’s directive, but now we are suffering and no one is protecting us,” a community member said.
George Abigaba also accused some district officials of collaborating with powerful individuals involved in commercial forestry.
“There are district officials working with wealthy investors growing eucalyptus who don’t want residents in this forest,” he said.
Tensions escalated during a community meeting attended by security officials, where residents openly questioned the lack of protection and criticised local police leadership for failing to respond effectively.
Maria Nyamisango visited the scene to assess the damage and engage with affected residents.
“We have come to understand the situation. We will investigate and compile a report,” she said.
Land disputes in the area have persisted despite earlier directives allowing residents to occupy the land, with ongoing conflicts between locals and investors continuing to fuel insecurity.
