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Kiyanja Land Wrangle: President's Office Verbal Directives Creates More Tension

The dispute involves the family of the late Musa Mwanje, owning 100 acres, and the family of the late John Lule Ssebakijja, represented by his son, Fulgencio Ssembajjwe, claiming 20 acres.
13 Jan 2025 07:30
One of the houses destroyed by Sobi's gang at Kiyanja contested land.
The Senior Presidential Assistant on Special Duties, Phiona Barungi, has issued verbal directives that have reignited tensions over a protracted land dispute in Kiyanja, Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono District. Despite existing court rulings, Barungi visited the contested land and encouraged plot owners previously evicted by court orders to reclaim possession.

The dispute involves the family of the late Musa Mwanje, owning 100 acres, and the family of the late John Lule Ssebakijja, represented by his son, Fulgencio Ssembajjwe, claiming 20 acres. Ssembajjwe alleges that his father purchased the land from Mwanje, but the transaction was not formalized due to Ssebakijja's death.

In 2015, Ssembajjwe obtained an eviction order from Jinja High Court, which led to a heated standoff. The situation escalated in December 2022 when Ssembajjwe allegedly enlisted a gang, led by the now-deceased Paddy Sserunjogi (alias Sobi), to seize the entire estate. Following these events, Mwanje’s family successfully appealed for a review, and Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa Ntambi nullified the eviction order due to procedural flaws and insufficient documentation.

Dissatisfied with the court’s decision, Ssembajjwe sought intervention from Mukono RDC Fatumah Ndibassa and Lands Minister Judith Nalule Nabakooba. In February 2024, Nabakooba discovered discrepancies in reports on the dispute. While the RDC’s report accused Mwanje’s family of violence, police, and presidential task force reports implicated Ssembajjwe’s hired gang. 

Nabakooba directed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate, promising a written report within two weeks. During her recent visit, Barungi claimed, “The report is complete,” but declined to release it, instead directing plot owners to reclaim possession. She emphasized alignment with President Museveni’s earlier orders, stating, “Nothing can override the President’s decision. 

Plot owners have the right to use their land, and landlords should not coerce them into selling.” She assured the community, “If the area police cannot protect you, we will bring police from higher levels to ensure your safety.” Local leaders and residents have criticized Barungi’s verbal directive. Faruk Ssentamu, a Mukono resident, urged the presidential office to delay action until the written report is released, warning that the directive could worsen the situation. “The President’s office should hold the verbal directives and wait for a written report to avoid further confusion,” he said.

Peter Ssekandi, another resident, questioned the rush to issue verbal directives, saying, “Why did Barungi rush to convey verbal directives in the absence of a written report, which the community has been waiting for almost a year? This directive may instead exacerbate insecurity in the area.” The dispute dates back to 1994 when Ssembajjwe’s father accused Mwanje of land grabbing, a claim dismissed by the court. 

Ssembajjwe appealed in 1999, but the outcome of that appeal remains unclear. In recent years, Ssembajjwe’s attempts to assert ownership led to the destruction of Mwanje’s estate, allegedly orchestrated by Sobi’s gang. Mwanje’s family reports losses of UGX 700 million, including demolished houses, looted property, and destroyed crops. Despite reporting these crimes, no legal action has been taken against the perpetrators. 

“The gang caused untold damage,” said Dirisa Ssebufu, Mwanje’s son and current estate administrator. “They demolished houses, looted household items, and destroyed banana plantations and trees.” One of the houses destroyed belonged to Juma Majwala, Mwanje’s son, valued at UGX 100 million. “Majwala’s family of eight is now dispersed among relatives,” Ssebufu lamented. The unresolved dispute has left the local community anxious about potential violence.