The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba has stepped in to address a long-standing land conflict in Bugiri District that has dragged on for nearly 40 years. The dispute involves more than 900 residents from six villages, including Wakawaka, Namulesa, Igotero, Kiluna, Isinda, and Kinawampiti in Bulidha Sub County, who are in conflict with Mr David Ochieng, who is accused of claiming ownership of a large piece of land.
The land in question is estimated to be about 3,000 hectares. According to the affected residents, the conflict began in the 1980s when Mr Ochieng allegedly expanded his boundaries after purchasing land from a squatter identified as Luka. The residents claim that what started as a small transaction later turned into a massive land takeover affecting several villages. Over the years, they say they were forcefully evicted in two major operations in 1987 and 1996, where homes were demolished and gardens destroyed, leaving many families displaced.
The residents, led by Hamza Kinatama, insist that the land originally belonged to their ancestors and accuse the landlord of using wealth and influence to win court cases and maintain control of the area. Some of the affected people say they have lived as displaced persons for decades, with children dropping out of school and families struggling without permanent homes.
On the other side, the family of Mr Ochieng, represented by his son David Ochieng Junior, defends their ownership, saying the land was legally acquired in 1978 from other sellers. They also argue that the matter has already gone through several court cases, including appeals in the 1980s, which they say were all ruled in their favor. They further claim that despite court orders, some locals continued settling on the land, causing repeated conflicts over the years.
The family also raised concern about the impact of the dispute on investment, saying that a major project involving tree plantations under New Forests Company has suffered uncertainty due to ongoing tensions. They warned that continued disputes could endanger the plantation and discourage future investors.
Local leaders, however, argue that the land ownership history may have been misunderstood in earlier rulings and insist that only a portion of the land belongs to the Ochieng family. They say earlier court decisions may have been made without proper visits to the ground to verify the true situation.
In response to the growing tension, Minister Nabakooba revealed that she received a directive from the President on June 15 instructing her to investigate the matter and verify claims of fraud and injustice. The President also called for involvement of the Inspectorate of Government and other security and legal agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.
The minister announced that a special committee will be formed, including officials from the lands ministry, State House Anti-Corruption Unit, and criminal investigations directorate, to carry out a detailed fact-finding mission. The team will also use satellite mapping and ground surveys to establish the exact boundaries and size of the land.
She further emphasized that all stakeholders, including district leaders and affected residents, will be involved in the investigation process. The goal, she said, is to uncover the truth behind the long-standing dispute and recommend a fair and lasting solution that can finally bring peace to the affected communities in Bugiri District, Uganda.
