Over 500 residents face eviction in Lwengo

CRIME | COURT

LWENGO- About 500 residents of Manja B and Ngereko village in Kisekka sub-county, Lwengo district face eviction after a Masaka-based businessman, Ramathan Bukenya, secured a land title for the area.

The residents, led by Bukoto South MP Muyanja Mbabali, have petitioned court in Masaka, seeking redress.

Mbabali and the residents stormed the Masaka Chief Magistrate's Court on Monday, in an effort to stop the evictions.

However, court, presided over by the Masaka Chief Magistrate Charles Yeteise, informed them that the matter was initially handled by the former Chief Magistrate, Deo Ssejjemba.

Some of the affected residents, including Resty Namaganda and George William Katongole, were dragged to court by Bukenya, accusing them of trespass.

New Vision has learnt that the matter was presented before Parliament by Mbabali for government intervention.

Sabastian Rwabuyoga said he settled in the area in 1951 and that his wife and some family members were buried on the contested land.

"I was made a chief and given responsibility over land by the then colonial regimes and government, how does Bwanika come to possess a land title on this land without my knowledge," he wondered.

Resty Nakakande, the chairperson of Manja B village, said she has been in village leadership since 2006.

She added that Ramathan Bwanika claims to have acquired ownership of the land in 2015.