A 90-year-old man in Mukono District is spending nights in the open after unknown individuals reportedly demolished his home in a suspected land dispute, prompting calls for urgent intervention by authorities.
Yunusu Ssebbuufu Ssaalongo, a resident of Nabbaale 2 Village in Nakifuma–Naggalama Town Council, said the house he built over decades was destroyed in a night attack, leaving him without shelter and in fear for his safety.
“This land is mine. My mother left it to me,” Ssebbuufu said. “Each child received their share, and some even sold theirs, including Kaweesi’s parents. I even allowed him to use part of it, but now he wants to take everything.”
He accuses his son, Yusuufu Kaweesi, of orchestrating the demolition in an attempt to take over the entire property, despite earlier expressing interest in only a portion of the land.
“He openly said he only needed a piece of the land and that I should leave him some, even offering small payments,” Ssebbuufu said. “It is shocking that he now wants to take the entire property.”
According to Ssebbuufu, the attackers struck at night while he was away, finding only children at home before proceeding to tear down the house. He returned to find his property reduced to rubble.
Family members have condemned the incident, describing it as unjust.
“It is surprising that someone who has lived on his land for so long can be chased away like this,” said Ali Ssenkunda, one of Ssebbuufu’s children. “Our father has even been paying land dues to Mengo, yet he is now left with nowhere to stay.”
Local leaders say the case reflects a growing pattern of land-related conflicts in the area. Village chairperson Mayanja Moses attributed the disputes to individuals allegedly posing as relatives to claim land by force.
“The problem is caused by people pretending to be relatives and demolishing homes,” Mayanja said. “Unfortunately, the police response has not been helpful, and in some cases, they appear to side with land grabbers.”
Efforts to resolve the dispute have so far yielded no results, leaving the elderly man vulnerable and without shelter.
Ssebbuufu has appealed to national authorities to intervene and protect his property rights, warning that the incident highlights broader challenges facing elderly landowners.
Yusuufu Kaweesi, who has been accused of orchestrating the demolition, has responded to the allegations, though details of his response were not immediately available.
Authorities had not issued an official statement on the matter by press time.
The incident adds to growing concern over land wrangles in Uganda, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations, and raises questions about enforcement of property rights and access to justice at the local level.