(Wakiso) – Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has intervened to stop the eviction of more than 400 residents in Kaasangobe village, Wakiso district. The land dispute centers around a 19 acre property that the residents, commonly referred to as bibanja holders, claim to have lived on for many years. During a recent community meeting, or baraza, Nabakooba informed residents that the landlord’s lease on the land had expired, nullifying his right to evict them.
The controversy began in 2020 when businessman Stephen Wobweni approached the Kaasangobe village chairperson, claiming ownership of the land and seeking permission to establish boundaries. However, after inspecting official records for Block 266/267, Plot 121 in Busiro County, Minister Nabakooba found that the lease had indeed expired. She stated, “We cannot allow a landlord whose lease has expired to evict bibanja owners. Once a lease expires, the land reverts to the government or district.”
Affected residents shared their experiences at the meeting, reporting intimidation and harassment. Proscovia Nakato, one of the residents, told the minister that in September, Wobweni had allegedly hired police and army officers to forcefully conduct a boundary inspection on the land. Residents who protested reportedly faced violence, with women allegedly mistreated and assaulted during the incident.
According to Kaasangobe chairperson Twaibu Kafuuma, Wobweni first approached him in December 2020, claiming ownership and seeking to re-establish the land’s boundaries. When Kafuuma alerted residents, they resisted, arguing that the land was under Buganda Kingdom and that they had been paying nominal ground rent, known as busuulu, under certificates of occupancy.
Compounding the situation, Kafuuma reported that two men, allegedly representing the Buganda Land Board (BLB), visited the area to request that residents allow Wobweni to access the land. However, the individuals—identified as Richard Kateregga and Dan Nsereko—were turned away by angry residents when they could not produce official identification.
Despite facing resistance, Wobweni later took legal action against the residents. However, the court ruled in favor of the families, effectively upholding their right to stay on the land. The lands ministry reportedly invited Wobweni to attend the recent baraza and address the concerns, but he did not appear. Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
Table: Details of the Kaasangobe Land Dispute
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Disputed Property | 19 acres in Kaasangobe village, Wakiso |
| Claimant | Businessman Stephen Wobweni |
| Residents Involved | Over 400 bibanja holders |
| Key Authority | Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba |
| Main Issue | Expired lease on land |
| Initial Court Outcome | Ruling in favor of residents |
| Incidents Reported | Alleged harassment, assault during inspection |
| Official Appeal | Residents claim ancestral rights to land, payment of busuulu |
In addition to addressing the Kaasangobe case, Minister Nabakooba also dealt with a separate land dispute in Bufuuma village, located in Mityana district’s Kalangaalo sub-county. In this case, resident James Ntambaazi claims ownership of land where locals have cultivated crops for years. The dispute began in 2015 when Ntambaazi allegedly destroyed crops on land he claimed. Residents report repeated harassment, with some saying they can no longer afford basic needs after their crops were destroyed. Erusama Kasawuli, the Bufuuma village chairperson, said he has been frequently arrested at Ntambaazi’s request, who accuses him of trespassing.
Minister Nabakooba assured Bufuuma residents that the government would seek to address the conflict and hold Ntambaazi accountable, as she discovered he lacks a legitimate land title for the disputed property. She emphasized that land laws require respectful and cooperative relations between landlords and bibanja holders and stressed that government actions would align with this principle to protect land rights.
