Three individuals have been remanded over their involvement in the illegal takeover of the estate of the late Ibrahim Katerega in Wakiso District. The accused were brought before the Makindye Magistrates Court, where they faced a series of serious charges, including intermeddling with the estate of a deceased person, forcible eviction of rightful occupants, destruction of growing plants, theft, trespassing on burial grounds, and malicious damage to property. The accused—Male Umar, Nsereko Hood Mukasa Ssembatya, and Namboze Janat Nsubuga—were denied bail and remanded until April 29, 2026.
The case, which has caught the attention of both the public and authorities, revolves around the unlawful actions that took place between 2024 and 2025. The three accused individuals, along with others who are still on the run, reportedly forcefully entered the late Katerega’s land in Ndejje-Lubugumu, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, which spans about 4 acres. They allegedly evicted lawful occupants without a court order, destroyed valuable crops, and demolished homes with belongings still inside. Armed with machetes and sticks, they used force to evict the rightful tenants and also stole personal property, according to the investigators.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the accused are also said to have illegally fenced off the entire piece of land, including the burial grounds, blocking access for the rightful heirs and other family members. The most alarming part of this case is that the accused, without legal authority or letters of administration, are alleged to have gone ahead and sold three acres of the deceased’s estate. This has raised serious concerns about land fraud and the protection of property rights in Uganda.
The investigation, which was carried out by the Anti-Corruption Court (AntiGraft_SH) in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), highlights the growing problem of illegal land grabs in Uganda. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of legal procedures in estate matters, particularly in cases where the deceased’s property is involved.
As the case progresses, many are eagerly awaiting the outcome, hoping it will serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt similar unlawful actions in the future. The court’s decision to remand the accused individuals underscores the seriousness with which the judicial system is treating this matter, especially in the context of protecting citizens’ property rights and ensuring justice for the deceased’s family.
The public is also advised to remain vigilant about such land-related crimes, which continue to plague the country. This case serves as a wake-up call to authorities and the public alike, stressing the need for more stringent measures to prevent illegal land occupations and to uphold the law when it comes to handling estates and property ownership.
