Kikuube Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Amlan Tumusiime has dismissed allegations of land grabbing, describing them as politically motivated and baseless.
He accuses Bugahya County MP Pius Wakabi of deliberately spreading false claims to tarnish his image ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to a gathering of supporters at his residence in Kijjungu Cell, Hoima City, Tumusiime reaffirmed his intention to contest for the Bugahya parliamentary seat, currently held by Wakabi.
The meeting was part of early mobilisation efforts aimed at unseating the incumbent, as Tumusiime nears the end of his term as RDC.
"I have never stolen even a spoon of land in Hoima or Kikuube," Tumusiime said, dismissing repeated accusations from Wakabi linking him to illegal evictions and land grabbing in areas such as Bugoma Forest, Rwengabi, Kijjayo, and Rwabunyonyi.
The accusations resurfaced after State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, recently visited Nzorobi Village in Kabwoya Sub-county to investigate alleged attempts by Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom officials to evict residents from multiple villages in Nzorobi Parish.
Wakabi has persistently accused Tumusiime of being complicit in land-related conflicts, including the controversial leasing of Bugoma Forest land.
In response, Tumusiime clarified that Bugoma land, part of the 22.4 square miles known as Kyangwali ancestral land, was lawfully returned to the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom by the NRM government during the restoration of cultural institutions and was later leased to Hoima Sugar Ltd for 99 years.
"These issues predate my tenure as RDC. My role has been to protect legitimate investors on this land, which has often placed me at odds with the National Forestry Authority and the Kingdom," Tumusiime explained.
He also addressed disputes in other contested areas.
Regarding Rwabunyonyi, Tumusiime said the evictions occurred before his appointment and that, under his leadership, residents have since been resettled with the support of Minister Mayanja and the district chairperson.
In Kapapi, he noted that evictions happened a decade ago, and his efforts helped restore affected people to their land.
On Kijjayo, he said the eviction was carried out in 2013 by the late landlord Herbert Kimera, not by any government authority.
As for Rwengabi, Tumusiime said the land conflict has persisted for over 20 years and cannot be pinned on his office.
“People must understand the historical context of these land disputes. I have worked to resolve them, not to inflame them,” he said.
Land grabbing remains a critical issue in the Bunyoro sub-region. Many residents lack formal land titles, creating vulnerabilities exploited by powerful individuals who title community land without consent and use security forces to enforce evictions.
Local leaders continue to call on the central government to intervene and secure land rights for ordinary citizens.
Tumusiime's remarks add to the growing political tension in Hoima and Kikuube districts as the 2026 elections approach, with land remaining one of the most contentious campaign issues.