Hakim Birigwa, the area L.C. 1 chairperson led the residents claiming they were angered by reports of land grabbing and sale of community property by the leaders. They particularly accuse Steven Wante, the Bugembe LC3 Chairperson of conniving with a cross section of councilors to sell off the community land and borehole.
Over 100 residents from Katende village in Bugembe town council have stormed Bugembe town council offices demanding an explanation for the reported sale of a community borehole alongside an acre of community land in which the borehole was located.
Hakim Birigwa, the area L.C. 1 chairperson led the residents claiming they were angered by reports of land grabbing and sale of community property by the leaders. They particularly accuse Steven Wante, the Bugembe LC3 Chairperson of conniving with a cross section of councilors to sell off the community land and borehole.
Martin Namansa, one the residents explains that during times of water scarcity and with the absence of a water source in the area, they are forced to trek about 5 kilometers to the shores of Lake Victoria in search for water.
Juma Ssozi, a councilor for Katende parish at Bugembe town council describes the sale and subsequent development of the land in question as illegal. He claims there was no council resolution approving the transaction.
But Steven Wante, the LC3 Chairman of Bugembe says he is wrongfully accused and instead channels the blame to Charles Mugweri, the Bugembe town council Engineer.
Mugweri however says the borehole was dismantled on the orders of Steven Wante early last year.
In June 2012, the leadership of Bugembe town council including the LC3 Chairman and councilors at Parish and sub county levels were mentioned in the disappearance of 800 iron sheets from the town council stores meant for the construction of Bugembe central market.
Aldon Walukamba
Freelancer
