Kiboga – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has stepped in to resolve a contentious land dispute in Lwankonge village, Kiboga East, ordering the arrest of those involved in an illegal eviction and directing the reinstatement of the affected land occupant, Mr Badiru Mwanje.
The disputed land, measuring 640 acres, is claimed by two parties — Mr Mwanje, who holds a mailo title dating back 30 years, and a group of departed Asians represented by Mr Patrick Ainebyona, who holds a freehold title from the 1930s under the name Chikamchadi Shaar Limited.
During a community meeting in Kiboga attended by several government officials, Presidential Advisor on Police Affairs, Ms Susan Kasingye, briefed the President, saying the matter stemmed from double-titling, premature eviction, and uncoordinated enforcement.
She explained that although the police had recommended a boundary opening to clarify ownership, Ainebyona and his group took advantage of the process to evict Mr Mwanje — an action not sanctioned by a court or law enforcement.
“When they came for the exercise, Ainebyona and his team moved in and evicted Mr Mwanje. This was done without a court decision or a formal boundary report,” said Kasingye.
President Museveni, after listening to testimonies from locals and officials, criticized the eviction as illegal and usurpation of judicial powers.
“Even if I had not issued a directive in 2022 halting illegal land evictions, common sense dictates that disputes must be resolved by courts of law. You cannot evict anyone without a court order,” he said.
“Even I, as President, do not have the power to evict anyone from land. Only the courts and the Ministry of Lands have the mandate to make such decisions.”
The President questioned where Ainebyona and his associates got the authority to forcefully remove Mwanje from the land, calling their actions an abortion of legal process and warning against impunity.
Museveni ordered the immediate arrest of Ainebyona and his group and instructed that Mr Mwanje be reinstated to the property pending legal resolution. He directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to deploy security to ensure the status quo is restored and maintained.
“Let Mr Mwanje reoccupy the land as the legal process continues. Brig. Henry Isoke of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit will collect statements from all parties involved. The law must now take its course,” Museveni declared.
The President also called on Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to investigate the validity of the conflicting land titles, while the Ministry of Lands was tasked to clarify the exact parcel and ownership status.
Minister for Lands, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, confirmed the land was originally registered in 1932 and repossessed in 1992 by the Asians. However, Mr Mwanje’s mailo title, issued in 1999, appears to be “hanging in the system” without a clearly linked parcel, though he has physically occupied the land.
“Your Excellency, we need to investigate further to understand how the system records these titles because both show up, yet conflict on the ground,” she said.
Minister of State for Lands, Dr Sam Mayanja, condemned the eviction as a complete disregard of due process, while the DPP noted the dispute centres on two plots on one block — one freehold and one leasehold, pending a final survey report.
Brig Gen Henry Isoke revealed that Ainebyona faces possible charges including criminal trespass, forcible entry, malicious damage, theft, and assault after residents reported violent incidents during the eviction.
Kiboga East MP, Hon. Keefa Kiwanuka, told the President he was personally assaulted during the eviction, with Ainebyona allegedly ordering him to undress, only to later realize he was confronting the area legislator.
Local Council Chairperson Ham Kizza expressed gratitude to the President for personally intervening in a land wrangle that local leaders had failed to resolve for years.
“We thank you, Your Excellency, for coming to the ground. This issue has dragged on for too long and needs your leadership,” said Kizza.