Houses burnt in Kassanda land dispute, four arson suspects on run

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Police detectives in Kassanda District are searching for four suspects accused of raiding homes and setting houses on fire following a land dispute in Bakule Cell, located in Bukuya Town Council.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on May 28, 2026, at around 10:00 a.m., after a disagreement over land escalated into violence.

Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi noted that unconfirmed reports suggest the clash involved five casual labourers hired by Eunice Nalubwama and sent to work on sections of the disputed land.

Aged 53, Nalubwama and Lauben Byamukama are at the centre of a controversy and are currently engaged in a court battle over land ownership.

According to police, around 10:00 am, Byamukama visited the disputed land and found labourers working in the gardens. He then mobilised four individuals armed with pangas and sticks to attack the labourers. A fight ensued, during which Nalubwama's workers were overpowered and fled the scene.

The attackers allegedly pursued the victims to their homes, where they set their houses ablaze, destroying all household property. Two of the victims have been identified as Moses Ssemuli and Meddy Nganda.

The suspects, identified as Khalid Sekyanzi, Muyanja, Daniel, and Byamukama, reportedly fled the area after the incident.

“A case of arson was registered at Bukuya Police Station. The scene was visited and documented, while statements from victims and witnesses were recorded. Inquiries into the matter are still ongoing,” Kigozi noted.

Police have cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, especially in land-related conflicts.

“We advise members of the public to avoid acts of lawlessness and mob justice in resolving land disputes. Government offices, including those of Resident District Commissioners, are open to handle such complaints peacefully,” Kigozi emphasised.