Iganga authorities halt illegal eviction of family, eight arrested

IGANGA - Iganga deputy resident district commissioner (RDC) Hakim Kiriigwa has rescued a family whose matrimonial home was forcefully taken over by money lenders over a sh5 million loan, and arrested eight casual workers who had partially demolished the house.

Kiriigwa, accompanied by police commanded by DPC Eria Elopot and army personnel, rushed to the home of Patrick Mwilolo and his wife Florence Nasozi in Nakilurwe village, Nawanyingi subcounty, which had been taken over by money lenders led by Bakali Ngobi.

The authorities arrested eight people, including the LC1 defence secretary Daudi Balina, who were found constructing a concrete wall in the door and window spaces that had been removed to block the family from accessing the house.

Kiriigwa acted swiftly following an outcry from Nasozi, who alerted him about the manner in which they had been evicted and their property and animals taken.

Nasozi said the money lenders raided their home at 7am and began demolishing doors and windows, removing all household property, including beds, clothes and a fridge, among others.

Nasozi said the money lenders raided their home at 7am and began demolishing doors and windows, removing all household property, including beds, clothes and a fridge, among others. (Credit: Ivan Wakibi)

She added that they also took goats and chickens, loaded them onto a vehicle and drove away, leaving her stranded while her husband was away. She later rushed to the RDC’s office for help.

She said that money lender Ngobi had lent her husband sh5 million and that he was in the process of repaying the loan before the sudden eviction.

Nasozi added that she was not party to the agreement, yet she is jointly responsible for the home, and that she has six children with nowhere to take them.

Kiriigwa said the eviction was illegal because the lenders did not have a court order, which must also be cleared by the district security committee, a process that was not followed.

He vowed to trace and arrest the money lenders and charge them with illegal eviction and theft of the family’s property.

He also cautioned other money lenders to refrain from such practices and warned LC1 authorities against involvement in illegal evictions.

The eight individuals arrested have been taken to Iganga Police Station, where they are being held pending charges.