All individuals who have encroached upon the Nshaara Government Ranch in Kiruhura District have been instructed to vacate the premises within a two-week period. This directive emerged from a district security meeting held on Thursday, February 22, where State Animal Industry Minister Bright Rwamirama was among the attendees.
The decision to enforce this ultimatum follows an investigation conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU). Their inquiry included an interrogation of retired Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier Capt. David Bashaija, who had seized approximately one square mile of land from Sanga Stock Farm in Kiruhura District. Capt. Bashaija had partitioned and sold portions of this land.
SHACU’s involvement was prompted by a phone conversation between Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze and the Unit head Brig. Henry Isoke, followed by a formal letter dated February 13, 2024.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) provided contextual information, revealing that Capt. Bashaija’s occupation of the land dated back to the 1990s. Despite previous attempts to evict him, including a directive issued by President Museveni in 2000 for the prosecution of Capt. Bashaija, he persisted in his unauthorized possession of the property.
Capt. Bashaija defended his actions by asserting that he had transformed the land into an industrial park akin to Namanve. He claimed legitimate ownership, supported by documentation including titles acquired in 2000. However, his assertions were met with skepticism, as the government deemed his occupation of the land illegal and detrimental to public interests.
In addition to addressing the specific case of Nshaara Government Ranch, Minister Rwamirama highlighted various instances of land misappropriation and encroachment across Uganda. He underscored the urgency of safeguarding government-owned properties, including several farms and ranches under threat of usurpation.
While Capt. Bashaija asserted his right to the land, citing legal documentation and previous clearance by investigative authorities, the government emphasized the need for adherence to due process and respect for public land tenure regulations.
