Elderly Woman Seeks Presidential Intervention in Land Dispute
An 80-year-old woman, Ms. Sikora Kokyenga, has called on President Museveni to intervene in a land dispute that could lead to her eviction. She expressed her distress following what she considers an unjust court ruling.
Sikora Kokyenga, a resident of Kagunga Cell in Nyaruhanga Parish, Rubanda District, lost a trespass case to her nephew, Mr. Fulegensi Kanyamugara, at the Kabale Chief Magistrate’s Court on September 26, 2022. The dispute revolves around a 25-acre land that they co-administer as the surviving beneficiaries of their late parents’ property.
The land, initially owned by their parents, Lauben Mugorora and Maragarita Beragura, was inherited by Ms. Kokyenga and her brother, the late Karasani Deziderio. After Deziderio’s death, Ms. Kokyenga invited her nephew, Mr. Kanyamugara, to share administration responsibilities. However, the court allegedly lost the letters of administration granting them equal powers over the land.
The dispute began in 2016 when Ms. Kokyenga sold 100 trees to St. Adrian Seminary. Mr. Kanyamugara sued her, claiming trespass and financial loss to the estate of his father, Deziderio. In a ruling on September 26, 2022, the court found Ms. Kokyenga guilty, ordering her to pay special and suit damages, as well as prohibiting her from any activity on the land without permission from the plaintiff.
Ms. Kokyenga and others have contested the ruling, asserting that it unjustly denies her rights as a beneficiary. Residents and activists argue that the court’s handling of the case was unfair since Mr. Kanyamugara had legal counsel, whereas Ms. Kokyenga represented herself.
Ms. Kokyenga also highlighted that her nephew primarily resides in Kibaale, having visited her infrequently, and she struggled to understand where she would find livelihood and resources to pay the imposed damages.
Efforts to retrieve lost documents related to the case are underway, with the Judiciary spokesperson, Mr. James Mawanda, stating that they are forming a team to assist in the search. Activists and well-wishers have expressed concern that Ms. Kokyenga’s precarious situation remains unchanged due to the court’s ruling, which they consider unjust.
Ms. Mariam Mwiza, a human rights activist, called upon the Judiciary and other state actors to intervene and help Ms. Kokyenga, who faces potential homelessness as a result of the ruling.
