Tensions reached a boiling point on [date] when a group of family members from the late Sabiiti Matumbwe’s estate, accompanied by mercenaries, attempted to evict Cementers Uganda Limited from its quarry.
The dispute centres on the company’s failure to pay ground rent (busuulu) for the past 25 years, as well as its non-fulfillment of agreements made in 2000.
At the entrance to the quarry, the family members encountered armed security guards who had been instructed to block their entry. As the situation rapidly escalated, the guards fired their weapons to disperse the increasingly agitated family members.
This led to a standoff, requiring intervention from Nagalama police, who eventually restored order.
Budarah Mukasa, the estate administrator for the Matumbwe family, expressed his frustration with the company’s breach of agreement.
“In 2000, Cementers Uganda Limited paid us Shs30 million, which was supposed to process the land title and pay off some tenants. Since then, the company has failed to honour the agreement," Mukasa said.
"They have not made any further payments and have not provided the promised infrastructure, including a borehole and a new house for the family>'
Amina Nasali, one of the estate beneficiaries, voiced the pain the family is experiencing.
“They promised us a better life. They said they would build us a borehole, a house, and pay school fees for our children. But nothing has been done. Meanwhile, they’ve been making millions from the land. The company has completely ignored us for years,” Nasali lamented.
Abdullah Ssentongo, another family member, revealed that the agreement stipulated Cementers Uganda Limited was to pay Shs700 million annually in ground rent to the family.
“They haven’t paid us a single coin in all these years. We’ve tried to seek legal redress, but nothing has been done. The company continues to profit while we suffer,” Ssentongo said.
Florence Namuswe, another family beneficiary, was resolute in her stance.
“Cementers Uganda Limited is illegally occupying our land. They’ve made millions from the stone dust, gravel, and hardcore they sell every day, but we don’t see a single shilling from it. We demand that they leave immediately,” Namuswe declared.
During a closed-door meeting with Nagalama police, local leaders, and the family, Cementers Uganda Limited’s investor, Ravin Singh, pleaded for more time.
“I understand the frustrations of the family, and I truly regret the situation. We are in the middle of important contracts in Kampala, and I kindly ask for more time to settle this issue,” Singh said.
However, his plea was met with resistance from the family. “We can’t wait any longer. Our people are suffering, and Cementers continues to operate without fulfilling any of its promises,” Florence Namuswe retorted.
The land in dispute, covering approximately 28 acres, was leased to Cementers Uganda Limited in 2000 for 99 years.
Hajj Budarah Mukasa, who oversees the estate, confirmed that the lease agreement was signed between his family and the company, but emphasized that the company has failed to meet its obligations for over two decades.
Despite the family’s frustrations and their attempts to seek justice through legal channels, the matter remains unresolved.
The situation highlights the complexities of land disputes between businesses and local families, especially when legal agreements are not honoured.