BUKEDEA, Uganda – Some residents of Amujaju and Kabarwa villages in Bukedea District have expressed satisfaction following reports of house arrest involving former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, saying they hope ongoing investigations will shed light on grievances they have held for years over a disputed land conflict.
The residents, many of whom claim to have lost homes, property and livelihoods during violent evictions in 2019, say they are seeking justice and accountability for what they describe as years of suffering.
Their grievances stem from events of 4th May 2019, when a group of people allegedly raided Amujaju Village in Amujaju Parish, Kamtur Sub-county. According to residents, the attackers assaulted community members, destroyed crops and homes, and forced several families to flee their land.
Victims allege that the operation was led by then Kamtur Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Jackson Ojekede and a UPDF officer identified as Col. Michael Shimanya, both of whom have previously been linked by residents to the disputed land.
Alfred Edeke, one of the affected residents, recalled that before the violence occurred, local leaders and individuals connected to the disputed land had allegedly warned residents to vacate the area.
“They told us to leave the land, but many residents believed they had legitimate rights to remain there,” Edeke said.
Some residents further allege that the actions were carried out in the interests of powerful individuals, including Bukedea Woman MP Anita Among. However, no court has found Among responsible for the allegations, and she has previously denied wrongdoing in matters relating to land disputes.
John Omongole, who served as the LC1 Chairperson of Amujaju at the time, said residents sought assistance from police during the attacks. He claimed that only a small contingent of officers from Kolir Police Station responded to the distress calls.
The disputed land is located along the River Sironko belt and is believed by residents and local leaders to contain valuable mineral deposits, including uranium and other minerals. The area’s perceived economic value has fueled longstanding disputes over ownership and occupation.
Residents interviewed by The Ankole Times Reporter, said they hope that ongoing legal and investigative processes involving national leaders will encourage authorities to revisit unresolved complaints surrounding the land conflict and provide justice to affected families.
Efforts to obtain comment from individuals named in the allegations were unsuccessful by press time.
The matter remains contentious, with residents continuing to call for a comprehensive investigation into the events that led to their displacement and the destruction of property in the area.
