A 100-year-old woman in Wanjeyo Village, Kimenyedde Sub County, Mukono District, is living in fear after surviving an attempted arson attack on her home over the weekend. Florence Nantumbwe, who is believed to be 109 years old, awoke on Sunday morning to the smell of fuel. Upon opening her door, she discovered a five-liter jerry can of gasoline, scattered matchsticks, and a long cotton thread soaked in petrol on her verandah.
The elderly woman, who is a widow to Yonasaani Kukula-kwetta, resides alone in her house and suspects that the threats to her life are connected to a longstanding dispute with another family who claims ownership of her approximately six-acre piece of land.
Nantumbwe expressed her fear, “When I saw a half-full five-liter jerry can of petrol on the verandah of my house, I got scared, and I hurriedly informed the local leaders, who then alerted the police.” She pointed a finger at Lawrence Buule’s family, claiming they are behind the attempt. Buule had allegedly threatened to take her land, asserting that he had purchased it from her son, who left the village over a decade ago.
Nantumbwe believes that Buule, who once served as the village chairperson, may have used his position to manipulate documents concerning her land. She stated, “When he was still chairman of the village, Buule made efforts to take my land, thinking that, being an old woman, I would die soon. However, God has kept me alive, and now they are plotting something different to eliminate me.”
For her safety, Nantumbwe’s home is currently being guarded by local residents and police personnel who patrol the village, especially during the night. A concerned neighbor, Abubaker Bogere, who responded to the arson threat on Friday night, urged the judicial officials handling the case to expedite the process, hoping that their verdict would protect her life.
Jalia Nantale, the officer in charge of Kimenyedde Police Post, confirmed the attempted arson attack on Ms. Nantumbwe and mentioned that detectives have already visited her home and collected several pieces of evidence. She assured that they are providing her with security to ensure her safety.
Nantumbwe’s lawyer, Mr. Conrad Mutyaba, asserted that the actions against his client are intended to divert attention from the ongoing court case. He emphasized, “What we want is justice for this old woman. We are diligently pursuing this matter, and the truth will ultimately prevail.”
When contacted, Mr. Buule declined to comment on the accusations against him and stated that he would consult his lawyer before providing his side of the story.
