The UPDF has come out to clarify on the incident that raised public outrage on Monday when soldiers were seen chasing teachers and pupils of a primary school in Jinja from a piece of land they claimed belonged to the army.
Footage by media outlets on Monday showed soldiers running battles with residents and pupils of Kimaka Guardian Primary School in Jinja ordering them off the land.
Angry residents wondered why the UPDF, an army that has branded itself as the people’s army would use such excessive force to evict people including young children from the disputed land.
In light of the controversy, the UPDF has issued a statement explaining that it is the rightful owner of the land on which the school is currently operating.
Brig Richard Karemire the army spokesperson said that efforts to have the illegal occupants vacate the land have been futile for many years.
UPDF said that yesterday’s events were “as a result of a long-standing contestation over a piece of land that belongs to the army”.
The disputed land which over looks the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka, according to the army, was in February 2004 exchanged for the Bujagali Rifle Range Ground between the Uganda Land Commission (on behalf of the Ministry of Defence) and Jinja District Land Board.
“Jinja District authorities were in return supposed to relocate occupants including Guardian Primary School at Plot M.144 to a more secure Bujagali Rifle Ground far away from military activities,” the statement by the UPDF read in part.
“Regrettably to-date, this has not happened,” adds the army.
Weeks ago, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi appeared before the ongoing commission of inquiry into land matters to among others lodge complaints regarding to the persistent encroachment on army land. He said that this was attributed to the fact most of this land lacks titles.
UPDF has said it regrets the disruptions caused but says it will not tire from engaging with all stakeholders until an amicable solution is arrived at.