Kamwenge residents petition govt over alleged land grabbing
According to the residents, the dispute has persisted for years, creating insecurity, fear, and tension in the affected communities. They say the contested land has traditionally served as communal grazing land for surrounding villages and has been used peacefully by residents for decades before ownership claims emerged.
The petitioners, led by community member Apollo Murungi and several local leaders, submitted their petition to the Office of the President through the Special Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, Phiona Barungi. (Courtesy photo)
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Residents from Rukunyu sub-county in Kamwenge district have petitioned the government, seeking urgent intervention over what they describe as widespread land grabbing on Kabuga Hill and Rubaba Hill in Kibaale county.
The petitioners, led by community member Apollo Murungi and several local leaders, submitted their petition to the Office of the President through the Special Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, Phiona Barungi.
They allege that government land, communal grazing land, and land belonging to residents have been illegally occupied and sold by individuals operating under Rubaba-Kabuga United Farmers Ltd and Kabuga Ranchers Ltd.
According to the residents, the dispute has persisted for years, creating insecurity, fear, and tension in the affected communities. They say the contested land has traditionally served as communal grazing land for surrounding villages and has been used peacefully by residents for decades before ownership claims emerged.
Some of the affected residents spoke to New Vision on Thursday during a visit to Barungi's office at Kingdom Kampala, although they did not meet her in person.
Murungi, a whistleblower and former Rwenzori Anti-Corruption Coalition monitor, said residents are concerned that previous investigations have failed to provide a lasting solution.
He said they had been informed that their latest petition had been reviewed and that government officials planned to conduct a locus visit to establish the facts on the ground.
Murungi explained that the matter was first reported to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in 2020 during investigations led by Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema. Residents submitted evidence alleging the illegal occupation of Kabuga Hill by individuals they described as land grabbers. However, they believe little action followed the initial complaint.
He said the dispute later moved to court after Kamwenge District Local Government reportedly ordered occupants of Kabuga Hill to vacate the land.
Residents claim the district successfully defended the case and later also prevailed in an application for a stay of execution. Despite those court proceedings, however, they say the disputed land continues to be occupied by the same individuals, prompting them to seek fresh intervention from the central government.
Among their key concerns is the alleged acquisition of land titles over Rubaba and Kabuga Hills. They claim Rubaba-Kabuga United Farmers Ltd asserts ownership of approximately 1,000 hectares on Rubaba Hill, while Kabuga Ranchers Ltd claims ownership of Kabuga Hill. This is estimated to cover about 10 square miles across Rukunyu Town Council, Kahunge Sub-county, Kabuga Town Council, and Kamwenge Sub-county.
The petition also alleges that several serving and retired government officials are directors, shareholders, or advisers of the two companies. Residents argue that this has created conflicts of interest and undermined efforts by local authorities and security agencies to resolve the dispute fairly.
Murungi further alleges that whistleblowers have faced intimidation, threats, verbal abuse, and criminal charges intended to discourage them from speaking out.
Mary Ahakundire, a 55-year-old mother of six, said many residents have been assaulted, lost property, and had livestock stolen during the prolonged conflict.
"We used to graze our animals on those hills, but now it is difficult. Even collecting firewood can result in beatings, while crops near the hills have been slashed," she said.
Ahakundire also alleged that criminal cases involving some of the accused individuals have not been fully investigated because of interference by local officials, although those claims have not been determined by any court.
She accused the companies of degrading the environment through extensive clearing of vegetation on Kabuga and Rubaba Hills. She claimed that portions of land belonging to Rukunyu Hospital, as well as plots within Rukunyu and Kyakanyemera trading centers, have also been unlawfully claimed.
Adams Twesigye, head of Kyamata Property Dealers, called on the Uganda Land Commission and independent government surveyors to verify the boundaries and authenticity of land titles covering the disputed areas.
The petition includes complaints submitted to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in May 2020, in which residents alleged that about 10,000 acres of government land had been shared among members of a private company and that money was being collected from individuals in exchange for land allocations and promises of future land titles. They also claimed environmental degradation on Kabuga Hill had contributed to landslides and destruction of property.
The petitioners further attached correspondence from the State House Legal Department dated June 12, 2026, acknowledging receipt of a petition alleging that the dispute had escalated into violence.
The Legal Department requested Kamwenge Resident District Commissioner to work with security agencies, local leaders, and other stakeholders to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and encourage all parties to allow the courts to determine the matter without resorting to violence.
Esau Muhwezi, the LC I chairperson of Rukunyu Ward, said residents remain hopeful that the government will independently investigate the matter and establish the true ownership of the contested land.
He urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive survey of Kabuga and Rubaba Hills, verify all land titles issued in the area, recover any government land found to have been unlawfully acquired, and compensate residents if wrongdoing is established. Muhwezi estimated that about 6,000 people remain affected by the dispute.
The conflict, residents say, has also affected livelihoods. Stalely Bafaki said many beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model who bought cattle and goats using government funds in 2023 are no longer able to graze their animals on the two hills.
According to Bafaki, herders are chased away while some animals are confiscated or killed, undermining household incomes and the objectives of the government program.
Accused respond
Dr Archibald Bahiizi, director of Buhinga Hospital in Fort Portal City, said he was not aware of the allegations against him. He added that although he is a native of Kamwenge, he only owns land in Kyabandara. He also said he had recently seen social media posts accusing him of assaulting a man.
Edward Musingye, the chief executive officer of Kikuube District, declined to comment, saying, "I have no comment. The matter is before the Court of Appeal, so I cannot comment."