By KT Reporter
The Former Secretary General of the National Council of Sports Jasper Muwonge Aligawesa, has condemned the attack on the surveyors he hired to open boundaries on disputed land in Luwero district.
Ten years ago, Grace Power Aligawesa the brother to Muwonge allegedly acquired 100 acres of land from Dinah Nakintu the daughter of former landlord late Bulere at Nsanvu Kibula village in Luwero sub-county. Aligawesa who lives abroad through his brother Muwonge intends to do commercial farming on the land.
However, since then, there have been protests from the grandchildren of the late Bulere and residents over the sale of the land to Aligawesa. The offices of the LCIII Chairman of Luwero sub-county, the Resident District Commissioner, and the Attorney General have tried to mediate the conflict in vain.
The grandchildren led by Ronald Kintu, and Samuel Kavuma dragged Aligawesa and others to Luwero High Court contesting the purchase of the land. The hearing of the case is ongoing at Luwero High Court and they are expected to return to court on 8th April 2025. The land is occupied by over 150 tenants.
On Tuesday, Jasper Muwonge Aligawesa, deployed three surveyors to survey, open the boundaries, and erect mark stones on the disputed land.
But the grandchildren of late Bulere and residents attacked the surveyors beating them up before they burnt their vehicles. The surveyors fled the scene with injuries. Among the injured is Godfrey Kaweesa who sustained severe injuries.
The residents were accusing the surveyors of fencing and aiding the grabbing of their pieces of land.
Sam Twineamazima the Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson says that by the time, Policemen rushed to the scene the vehicle had been burnt beyond recognition and suspects fled the scene.
Twineamazima added that Policemen recovered exhibits including sticks and jackets which were transferred to the Police station.
He added that a case of malicious damage has been opened at Luwero Central Police Station and the survivors will record statements today to enable the Police to embark on investigations.
But when reached the caretaker Muwonge Aligawesa condemned the mob attack and asked the Police to apprehend the group behind the action.
Aligawesa explained that the brother secured a court order to survey the land and notified the residents through LC 1 Chairman hence there was no need to attack the innocent surveyors.
He added that the purpose of the exercise was to open the boundaries and later enter into negotiations with the tenants on whether they can leave some plots to them or they can buy themselves.
“We have a land title which we acquired from Ms. Dinah Nakintu the estate administrator of late Bulere. So if any person challenges it, he or she should petition the court but not resort to mob actions. Those involved should face the law and compensate for the vehicle which they burnt” Aligawesa said.
Richard Bwabye the Resident District Commissioner of Luwero District condemned the surveyors for embarking on surveys without notifying the District Security Committee (DSC) and sensitization of the residents.
“If the Court okayed the survey, why didn’t they alert the DSC for security clearance and sensitization of local leaders? The LCI Chairman of the village is bedridden, am wondering whom did they notify to inform the residents? I have asked Police to investigate the alleged court order and confirm whether they followed due process ” Bwabye said.
Muwonge Aligawesa is also embroiled in another land wrangle with the Church of Uganda the at Kiyenje zone in Luwero town. Luwero is a hotbed for land wrangles.
According to the Police Crime report, Luwero district registered 206 cases of malicious property damage and 125 cases of criminal trespass in 2023, all related to land.
Early this year, Safina Nakayiza aged 65 years a resident of Janda village in Zirobwe sub-county, Luwero survived death after her house was set on fire over land wrangle.
Margaret Nakiyingi aged 50 years a resident of Wampamba zone in Wobulenzi town council was killed due to a land wrangle within the family.
