(Mbarara) – A dispute over land at the Itaaba Cultural Site in Mbarara District has intensified, pitting self proclaimed Ankole King Umar Asiimwe Rubambansi Ntare VI against his father, Idris Kawesi, and several siblings. The family’s conflict, rooted in a prolonged dispute over the Obugabe (Kingship) of Ankole, resurfaced as tensions escalated around the ownership and use of land for cultural purposes.
The dispute, which has spanned years, centers on a disagreement about both the legitimacy of Rubambansi’s claim to the Ankole kingship and control over the Itaaba Cultural Site. Rubambansi, who has repeatedly attempted to establish his position as king of Ankole, faced legal setbacks after the Mbarara High Court ruled against him. These rulings, however, have not deterred his advocacy for the restoration of Ankole’s Obugabe.
According to reports, tensions grew after Rubambansi allegedly secured funds from the government to support his kingship restoration campaign, a claim he denies. Allegedly, his family members, including his father Idris and siblings Ali Kakongi, Salim Tugume, and Asumin Nabakoza, accused Rubambansi of withholding money supposedly obtained from a visit to State House, leading to increased conflict.
Recently, Rubambansi, accompanied by a police escort, attempted to access the Itaaba site. However, his brother Salim Tugume reportedly blocked his entry, demanding that their father Idris be present before any discussions took place. Witnesses reported a verbal exchange between the two brothers before Rubambansi and his team ultimately left the site without further incident.
| Dispute at a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Itaaba Cultural Site, Mbarara |
| Key Individuals Involved | Umar Rubambansi, Idris Kawesi, Family |
| Allegations | Land seizure, property damage |
| Key Accusations | Withholding funds, family betrayal |
| Police Involvement | Sanctioned complaints, ongoing |
Rubambansi accused his family of attempting to take control of the land he claimed to have purchased himself. He asserted that his father and siblings destroyed cultural properties, including shrines and other structures, which limited his access to the site for performing cultural rituals. He added that his home on the property was damaged, and his family has allegedly made several attempts to harm him.
He stated that while the family originally migrated together to Bwigira in Nyakayojo, where he acquired land around the Itaaba site, they have since turned against him. According to Rubambansi, his family has sought to take possession of lands he bought personally, despite already owning land of their own.
In addressing the ongoing tensions, Rubambansi also highlighted that his family members were influenced by misinformation that he had personally received money from the President. He refuted these claims, explaining that his only intent was to advocate for the cultural restoration of the Ankole kingdom.
Speaking to journalists, Rubambansi expressed frustration with the family feud, noting that while politics and conflicting allegiances have driven his family members to challenge his claims, he remains dedicated to his vision of the Ankole kingdom’s restoration.
With police investigations ongoing, Rubambansi has filed several formal complaints against his father and siblings at the Mbarara Central Police Station and Rwizi Regional Police Station. He has urged authorities to proceed with arrests as he seeks to reclaim what he states is his rightful property.
