NELSON K
Rukungiri RDC Bron Kinkashemeza has referred the Nyakabale land conflicts in Katonya Parish, Nyakishenyi Sub-county, to court after efforts of mediation and resolving the issues among all parties failed today.
The Rukungiri District RDC, Mr. Bron Kinkashemeza, together with the Rukungiri DISO Mr. Owamani Joseph and the Rukungiri DPC SP Brian Ampeire, spent the whole day in Nyakabale Cell, Katonya Parish in Nyakishenyi Sub-county, trying to mediate members of a nutrition group funded by RUGADA organization.
Tensions rose among some members of the group who expressed dissatisfaction, saying that out of 26 total members, 18 allegedly became corrupt and sold the land to the son of the person who initially sold it to them at a lower price of 2 million shillings. However, the remaining eight members are disappointed, stating that the land was supposed to be valued at 20 million shillings. They also claim that after the 18 members completed the sale, they shared all the money among themselves, with each receiving 100,000 UGX.
On the side of the 18 members who sold the land, they are defending themselves together with the buyer, stating that they excluded the eight members because they were not active in the group, failed to participate and commit their time to the initiative when it was still active. They also explained that the land was sold at a lower price in an effort to compensate the original owners, since the husband had initially sold it to them illegally.
After hearing and questioning all sides, the RDC Mr. Kinkashemeza attempted to mediate between the parties. However, due to hatred, longstanding local conflicts, and ego among the members, mediation and unity failed, as all sides were submitting conflicting statements and allegations, leading to the decision to resolve the matter in court.
Mr. Bron has referred the matter to court and assured the parties that it will ensure clear justice between them. He also called on the complainants to follow up on their case files in court, while warning the Nyakishenyi LC3 chairperson, Wednesday Twinomujuni, to stop allegedly misleading residents and promoting conflict in pursuit of political advantage under a divide-and-rule approach. Additionally, he cautioned local leaders, especially LC1 chairpersons, against promoting conflicts among residents or using their positions to support illegal land sales.
Meanwhile, he called for unity and reconciliation among residents, urging them to work hard to fight poverty and prioritize educating their children to secure a better future and stability.
The Rukungiri DPC SP Brian Ampeire urged residents to promote peace and stability in the area and warned those who investigate others to stop, or face the law. He also recommended allowing the current landowner to continue using the land as the court handles the matter to ensure justice.
The Nyakishenyi Sub-county LC3 chairperson, Wednesday Twinomujuni, supported the decision to take the matter to court in order to achieve final justice regarding the land dispute. However, he added that authorities should return the land to Nyakabale residents for use during government programs such as elections, PDM, village meetings, and others.
