Wakiso, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has issued a directive stopping all transactions related to politician James Rwanyarare’s 640-acre land in Kasanje, Wakiso District.
This follows a violent confrontation between Home Care Properties (HCP) and local residents who accuse the company of forcibly taking over their land and destroying property. The dispute led to riots, during which one person was shot, and accusations of police bias were raised.
The Minister convened a meeting on Monday to investigate the situation, attended by Entebbe Division Police Commander Steven Twinamsiko, Kasanje Police OC Phillemon Ahabwe, area MP Charles Matovu, some of Rwanyarare’s children, representatives of HCP, and local leaders. Minister Nabakooba heard disturbing accounts from residents who claimed that their gardens and homes were bulldozed without proper notice or consent.
Many residents alleged that HCP had begun grading their land before negotiating and forced them to sign documents under duress. Charles Ssemakula, an HCP official, claimed that the company’s actions were based on agreements with landowners, a statement disputed by the residents. Residents also accused local leaders and police of bias and mishandling the situation. After hearing both sides, Minister Nabakooba requested an account from Rwanyarare’s family.
Caroline Kahamutima, Rwanyarare’s daughter, reported that their father had acquired the land following a failed mortgage by one Kaama. She alleged that an errant son, Kevin Kiiza, had forged powers of attorney to fraudulently sell the land. Kiiza had reportedly processed a special title for the land after being refused the original title by his elder brother, Bruce Rwanyarare. Despite this, a special title was issued to Kiiza by Lands Ministry officials and registered at the Wakiso Lands Office.
Minister Nabakooba directed an immediate halt to all developments and transactions by HCP and mandated that peace be restored for bibanja holders until the ownership dispute is resolved. She also instructed that the caveat previously placed by the family be reinstated and the original title returned to the system, overriding Kiiza’s title.
Residents were warned against attempting to sell any part of their bibanja. Kasanje Police OC Phillemon Ahabwe, who was accused of siding with HCP, was also instructed to ensure peace and order. Minister Nabakooba emphasized that the law requires proper negotiations between registered owners and bibanja holders if a land takeover is to occur, including the option to share the land or continue paying rent.
Caroline Kahamutima expressed gratitude for the minister’s intervention but criticized government officials for allegedly enabling fraud in the land sector.
MP Charles Matovu praised the minister’s actions, stating they would provide residents with much-needed relief and protection from HCP. He also criticized the continued presence of local leaders who side with land dealers and called for urgent local council elections to address these issues.
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