KIRYANDONGO — A heated dispute has erupted in Kiryandongo District after local political leaders accused security agencies of colluding with wealthy individuals and investors to carry out contested land evictions without following due legal process.
The accusations were led by District Chairperson Nelson Osaga during a community baraza organised by the Office of the Inspectorate of Government in Bweyale Town Council, where land governance and accountability dominated discussions.
Osaga alleged that police and the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) have been involved in enforcing evictions that bypass court processes, leaving long-term occupants displaced and increasingly frustrated.
“There is a man who was evicted from his land, he is literally dying but police and office in the RDC are not merciful, all they do is eat money and enforce unlawful evictions,” he said.
The district leadership warned that continued mistrust between residents and security institutions could trigger lawlessness, including possible mob action if the disputes remain unresolved.
Wilson Tugume, the Kiryandongo Sub-county Chairperson, also accused the RDC, his deputy, and the District Police Commander of working with investors and powerful individuals to displace residents.
“These people are not here for work, it’s about money. All they do is get money from the rich and frustrate poor people. They have been here for about three years, they need to be transferred,” he said.
Tugume further warned that frustration among residents was escalating due to repeated land conflicts and alleged forced evictions.
Osaga echoed similar concerns, arguing that public trust in police, the RDC’s office, and parts of the judiciary had significantly declined.
He warned that if the situation is not addressed, residents may resort to self-defence over land disputes.
“I will not allow my people to suffer. If this matter is not solved and police continue beating people off their land, we shall organize and guard the land if security has failed,” he said.
However, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jonathan Akweteireho rejected the allegations, saying security agencies were acting within their mandate and blaming the Uganda Land Commission for what he described as growing confusion over land ownership.
He said some of the disputed land had been allocated as ranches despite claims of prior occupation by local residents.
Kiryandongo District Police Commander Stephen Ojok said Police were engaging communities to improve understanding of land rights and build public trust.
He also cited manpower constraints but said reinforcements and patrols were being strengthened to improve service delivery.
“We are getting more officers who are being passed out, and we are also increasing patrols to better serve the people,” he said.
The Inspectorate of Government said the baraza was convened to provide a platform for residents to raise governance concerns affecting service delivery.
Christine Lamaka, Manager for Advocacy and Accountability at the Inspectorate, urged public officers to communicate openly and act in the interest of citizens.
“People in offices should know they hold them in trust of the public. When there is a problem or concern, they should communicate,” she said.
The meeting ended with calls for improved coordination between security agencies, local leaders, and land management authorities as tensions over land ownership continue to escalate in the district.
