Families agree to give away over 1,200 acres to Hoima residents in land dispute resolution

HOIMA - The children of late Tito Byangire of Kapapi sub-county, Hoima district, have agreed to transfer over 1,200 acres of disputed ancestral land to residents (bibanja holders) following a government-mediated resolution. 

The land, part of a 2,545-acre title at Plot 38, Bugahya Block 9, had been embroiled in a bitter conflict between the family and a military officer allegedly occupying the property.

The agreement emerged during a meeting chaired by lands state minister Dr Sam Mayanja, accompanied by the presidential advisor Phiona Barungi, at the Hoima Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office.

The siblings, represented by Daphne Kwikiruza, accused their brother and Brig. Peter Nabaasa Akankunda of colluding to evict them from the land.

They alleged that Brig. Nabaasa, with support from military officers, had occupied the property, grazed cattle, rented it to others and tortured family members to deny them access.

RDC Rodger Mbabazi noted that the land was already occupied by residents, and the district security committee had proposed that the family retain 1,235 acres while transferring 1,200 acres to bona fide occupants.

Minister Mayanja endorsed the plan, emphasising that residents, protected by law, could not be displaced. After prolonged discussions, the family accepted the compromise but demanded that Nabaasa vacate the remaining 1,235 acres.

Nabaasa denied allegations of torture, claiming he leased 700 acres from Byagire for 10 years and had invested heavily in the land. Initially, the parties agreed to let him continue using the 700 acres, with the family retaining 535 acres.

However, the Minister reversed this decision after meeting residents, who accused Nabaasa and Byagire of orchestrating illegal evictions.

“Amending my earlier orders, I now have fresh information,” Mayanja declared.

The Minister ordered Nabaasa to vacate the 700 acres, directed the arrest of Byagire, and pledged to report Brig.

Nabaasa and his accomplices to President Museveni for disciplinary action.

The resolution also includes transferring the 1,200 acres to residents, appointing a new family administrator, and assisting the Byangire siblings in legally partitioning the remaining land.