By Aggrey Baba
A river that forgets its source will soon run dry, and so is the case with the unending land disputes in Njeru, where history, ownership, and power are clashing.
The latest twist has seen Ham Ssali Mukasa, the grandson of the late Ham Mukasa, sent to Luzira Prison on charges of interfering with the management of his late mother’s estate.
Sources indicate that Ssali, the administrator of Plot 2 in Njeru, Buikwe District, was arrested on Sunday and taken to court on Tuesday. His arrest follows a long-standing dispute over the land that houses the Njeru Stock Farm, which is run by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) under the agriculture ministry.
Reports suggest that the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, had initially ordered Ssali’s release after the intervention of State Minister for Animal Husbandry, Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama.
However, the matter took a different course, leading to his formal charges at Buganda Road Court and subsequent remand.
Speaking before his arrest, Ssali expressed concerns about alleged underhand dealings to create a new land title for Plot 2, effectively altering ownership records. “I discovered that certain powerful figures had already created a new title and subdivided the land. I visited the Mukono Zonal Lands Office on Friday to lodge a caveat to prevent this,” he revealed.
His statements add weight to the ongoing battle between the agriculture ministry and Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, who has also been drawn into the land dispute.
Otafiire distanced himself from the conflict, stating that the Mukasa family, the original landowners, had not received payment for the lease granted to the government. “The family simply asked them to leave since they had not honored their financial obligations,” he stated.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed Ssali’s arrest but denied reports that he was being coerced into signing a re-entry form to cede control of the land. “He is being held on charges of intermeddling in the estate of the deceased, but I do not have the full details,” he stated.
Adding fuel to the controversy, armed men in civilian attire reportedly whisked Ssali away during an interview, warning journalists against further probing into the matter.
This is not the first time the Njeru Stock Farm has made headlines. Just last week, about 30 armed men allegedly, stormed the facility, selected 250 of the healthiest cattle, loaded them onto trucks, and drove off. The animals were only returned after the incident became public.
With the dust far from settling, the Njeru land dispute has once again highlighted the complexities surrounding land ownership in Uganda. As the case unfolds, many will be watching whether justice will be served or if, like footprints in the sand, the truth will be washed away by the waves of power and influence-New Vision. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
