Minister Kasolo orders arrest of moneylenders grabbing land

The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning in charge of Cooperatives, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has directed police and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to take immediate action against moneylenders who are illegally seizing land.

The minister’s order comes amid growing concerns over moneylenders exploiting vulnerable individuals by using unclear contracts to claim land and property illegally.

Speaking at the Oliver Tambo School of Leadership in Nakaseke District, Minister Kasolo emphasized the need to protect communities from these predatory practices.

"We cannot allow moneylenders to continue deceiving people and seizing their land. This is illegal, and I have instructed the police and RDCs to arrest anyone found engaging in such activities," he stated.

The minister highlighted that rural communities are particularly susceptible to these schemes.

He noted that moneylenders often exploit individuals in financial distress, tricking them into signing vague contracts that result in the loss of their land.

"These moneylenders are taking advantage of the poor and vulnerable by misleading them into signing contracts they don’t fully understand," Kasolo added.

To counter these practices, the government has implemented programs like the Parish Development Model, which aims to provide financial resources for rural development. "There is no reason for people to be deceived by moneylenders when the government has initiatives in place to support them," Kasolo said, stressing that these programs are designed to empower rural communities and provide alternative sources of financial assistance.

Minister Kasolo's directive was issued during a workshop organised by the Office of the Prime Minister, where over 400 local leaders from five districts received training in service delivery, economic development, and security skills.

The workshop brought together RDCs, district chairpersons, councillors, and representatives of youth and women, who play critical roles in ensuring community well-being.

Local leaders attending the workshop praised the minister's call to action as a significant step toward safeguarding community land rights and promoting economic stability.

"This move will help protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, ensuring they can keep their land and participate in development initiatives without fear of losing their property," one leader remarked.

For many communities, the move is crucial in maintaining land ownership, a vital aspect of their livelihoods.

By preventing illegal land seizures, families can use their land for farming and other income-generating activities, contributing to local economic growth.

Protecting land rights is seen as key to ensuring that citizens can fully benefit from government programs aimed at uplifting rural communities.

Minister Kasolo’s directive sends a strong message that the government is committed to tackling illegal land seizures and defending the rights of vulnerable communities.

"We are determined to put an end to this exploitation. The law will be enforced, and those who break it will face the consequences," Kasolo concluded.