By BM
Residents of Zziba Village in Kasanje Town Council, Wakiso District, have appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to intervene in what they describe as a violent and illegal eviction from their land, allegedly orchestrated by a Catholic priest and his associates.
In a petition dated October 6, 2025, the affected families accuse Rev. Fr. Joseph Lubega and a one Kiwanuka allegedly acting on behalf of the Registered Trustees of the Kampala Archdiocese of leading a forceful and unlawful takeover of land located on Busiro Block 596, Plots 3 and 5.
The operation was reportedly carried out without any court order or prior notice and involved armed personnel from BAKA Security Consult Ltd.
According to the petitioners, the security group descended on the land early on the morning of September 10, 2025, fencing off homes, blocking roads, destroying gardens, and assaulting residents.
One of the victims, Mr. David Bwete, was reportedly beaten so severely he had to be hospitalized.
The residents, most of whom are lawful kibanja holders, say they have occupied and cultivated the land peacefully for years, having purchased interests from the estate of the late Semeo Nsubuga Ssenkatuuka.
The community, through Mr. Patrick Drate, a kibanja owner and spokesperson for the victims expressed deep frustration over the lack of due process.
They claim the eviction was carried out without involvement of local authorities, and that both LC1 leaders and police were never notified.
Despite lodging complaints with the Ministry of Lands, Uganda Police Force, and the Wakiso Resident District Commissioner, no meaningful action has been taken to address their concerns.
The residents say attempts to hold peaceful community meetings on September 15 and 18 to seek legal redress were also blocked by law enforcement officers, including the DPC of Entebbe and officers at Kasanje Police Station.
They argue that such actions have not only denied them justice but also escalated tensions and insecurity in the area.
What has further alarmed the displaced families is the continued presence of armed BAKA Security guards on the land.
The petitioners describe the current situation as tense and dangerous, with guards allegedly intimidating former occupants and deterring any attempts to return to their homes.
The residents are now calling on President Museveni to launch a direct investigation into the conduct of the individuals involved, particularly the Catholic priest and those allegedly acting under the authority of the Kampala Archdiocese.
They also want the armed men withdrawn from the land and are demanding that their rights as lawful occupants be restored and protected.
This case adds to the growing number of land disputes across the country, with victims increasingly citing fraudulent dealings, title manipulation, and abuse of authority as root causes of forced evictions. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
