By KT Reporters
The government has announced plans to compensate Patricia Linda Nyakairima, widow of the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, with UGX 11 billion for a disputed piece of land in Kyankwanzi District. The land, approximately five square miles in size, spans the villages of Kyerere North, Kyerere East, Kiyuni Central, Kiryajobyo West, and Kibanda in Igayaza Sub-County.
In February 2022, over 1,000 families residing on the contested land were forcefully evicted, sparking outrage and protests. Residents accused Patricia Linda Nyakairima of fraudulently acquiring the land title despite their long-standing settlement since the 1940s.
On February 19, 2022, the eviction began with graders and excavators clearing crops such as bananas, beans, maize, cassava, coffee, and rice. Over 30 soldiers were deployed to enforce the eviction, further aggravating tensions as access to the land was blocked. The destruction of crops and livelihoods led to protests, with residents blocking roads using tree branches, logs, and stones, disrupting business in the area.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, addressing affected residents during the burial of an elderly resident in Kiyuni village, revealed that President Yoweri Museveni directed the government to compensate Linda Nyakairima to allow displaced families to return to their land. Nabbanja stated that UGX 3 billion will be paid this financial year as part of the phased UGX 11 billion compensation package.
Dr. John Mpuuga, Kyankwanzi LC5 Chairperson, highlighted the devastating impact of the eviction on residents’ livelihoods and called for swift government action to ensure the families return to their land. Leosam Sebalunzi, LCIII Chairperson of Igayaza Sub-County, questioned the legitimacy of the Nyakairima family’s acquisition of the land without local leaders’ involvement. He welcomed the compensation initiative, noting that many affected families have since fallen into abject poverty.
In 2018, Linda Nyakairima appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters, chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, to address complaints about her late husband’s land transactions. The land, initially registered to Matayo Kidimbo Mpanga in 1931, was reportedly sold by Gideon Kibirango to Gen. Aronda. However, Mpanga’s grandson, Ibrahim Lumu, contested the sale. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
