Police have arrested Juma Kayondo , a resident of Kira-Kito in Kira Municipality, a notorious land grabber.
Kayondo was arrested on Sunday arrested and detained at Kira Road Police Station following a formal complaint by prominent business mogul Mr. Umar Katongole.
He has since been charged with concealing a land title and threatening violence.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the arrest.
“We have the suspect in custody and we are going to liase with the office of the Resident State Attorney on the next step of action,” Owoyesigyire said.
“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue.”
The case
Details of the case indicate that around 2019, Kayondo sold approximately 20 decimals of land situated at Kiwatule to Mr. Umar Katongole.
He was fully paid, signed all transfer forms, and surrendered the original land title.
In late 2023, Kayondo suddenly claimed the 2019 price was too low compared to 2023 market rates and demanded additional money.
After prolonged negotiations involving Muslim elders, Mr. Katongole made further payments in 2024 and Kayondo then agreed to surrender the certificate of title effectively receiving double payment for the same land.
However, when Mr. Katongole demanded the title, Kayondo instead resorted to gun threats and insults, warning that anyone asking for the title “would be put to rest.”
This forced Mr. Katongole to open the current criminal case.
Kayondo has been described as a notorious and repeat land grabber in the Kira-Wakiso corridor, having been arrested a number of times for similar offences including selling land with fake or disputed titles, double-selling the same plots, demolishing people’s houses to grab land, carrying out illegal evictions against vulnerable families, widows, and elderly persons, demanding extra payments after full settlement, and using threats and violence when confronted.
It is reported that despite frequent arrests, detentions and court appearances, Kayondo has been accused of repeating the offense.
It is also reported that his operations thrive on the chaos in land registries, weak follow-up on cases, and exploitation of urban expansion in areas like Kira, Kiwatule, Mukono and other areas.
Members of the public have been warned against buying land from Kayondo.
