Kassanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Phoebe Namulindwa made the call during an interview after attending a community meeting in Kitandwe Village convened to introduce the new registered owner of disputed land and address tensions between residents and the previous landlord, Mzee Nsubuga.
Namulindwa said peaceful relations between landlords and tenants are critical to preventing violence and promoting stability in communities affected by land disputes.
“We urge landlords to handle their tenants with fairness and dignity. Resolving land disputes through dialogue and mutual respect is the best way to maintain peace and prevent unnecessary conflicts,” she said.
The RDC also encouraged bibanja holders to meet their legal obligations by paying busuulu (ground rent), saying the practice helps strengthen tenancy rights and promotes better relations between occupants and landowners.
“I also appeal to tenants to pay busuulu as required by law because it helps secure their occupancy rights and reduces misunderstandings with landlords,” she said.
Namulindwa further appealed to the new landlord to maintain good relations with existing occupants and avoid actions that could trigger renewed tensions.
Myanzi Sub-county Chairperson Alex Nywevu called on landlords to consider allowing lawful occupants to purchase the bibanja they occupy where possible, saying this would provide families with long-term security.
“Allowing tenants to buy the land they occupy can significantly reduce conflicts and provide families with long-term security. Forced evictions only deepen disputes within communities,” Nywevu said.
Kitandwe Village Chairperson Betty Nakachwa said residents have held several meetings over the years aimed at resolving the dispute, but many have failed to deliver a lasting solution.
“We have participated in many meetings, but the disputes remain unresolved. We appeal to the government to intervene and help us find a permanent solution so that our communities can live in peace,” Nakachwa said.
Residents who attended the meeting expressed hope that the latest engagement would provide a pathway towards resolving the dispute that has affected several villages.
The contested land covers Kitandwe, Kambojja, Lukira, Kisweera and Kalama villages, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger government mediation and protection of the rights of both landlords and lawful occupants.