Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda’s Muslim titular, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, has urged government planners to decentralise development and invest more in rural and peri-urban areas, saying the continued concentration of major projects in Kampala is worsening congestion and deepening inequality.

Prince Nakibinge made the remarks on Monday during the launch of a new centre in Busunju, Wakiso District, designed to support children with disabilities. The facility was constructed under Kibuli Muslim Hospital.

He said Uganda’s development agenda would be more meaningful and inclusive if national planners shifted greater attention to communities outside the capital, where the need for essential services remains high.

‘Although the project partners could easily have built the centre in Kibuli where most Muslim founded institutions are situated there was a deliberate decision to establish it outside the capital to promote balanced development,’ he said.

Prince Nakibinge added that the country must ‘reduce the pressure of development in Kampala and begin moving these initiatives to places that have been left behind’ if it is to achieve equitable growth.

He applauded Hajji Dauda Kamya, who donated the land on which the centre sits, saying his generosity should encourage more Ugandans to support development efforts in their own communities.

At the event, the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Sofia Naluke Juuko, urged parents not to discriminate against children with disabilities.

She said that with proper care and support, such children can grow into productive adults who contribute meaningfully to society.

Ms Juuko revealed that the Commission has issued guidelines requiring government ministries, agencies and departments to include provisions for persons with disabilities in their annual budgets. Institutions that fail to comply, she warned, risk having their budgets rejected.

‘This law ensures that government planning processes are inclusive and that no child or adult living with a disability is left behind,’ she said.

Dr Muhamoud Al Ghazal, representing Kibuli Muslim Hospital, said the project – funded in partnership with Baitulmaal, a U.S.-based humanitarian organisation – reflects a responsibility all Ugandans should embrace.

‘The new centre will help to address the gaps in specialised care, training and rehabilitation services for children who often struggle to access proper support,’ he said.

He also urged parents, particularly expectant mothers, to prioritise antenatal care and regular medical check-ups, warning that many childhood disabilities arise from preventable complications during pregnancy or at birth.

‘Once completed, the centre is expected to become a key model for disability inclusion, community-based rehabilitation, and equitable development outside the capital,’ he said.

Peace Lekuru returned to her best form over the weekend, but even her brilliance wasn’t enough as the Lady Cranes could only manage a third-place finish at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi.

With World Rugby tweaking the tournament format, Uganda’s only route to qualify for the 2026 HSBC Division Three was by winning the competition.

A dominant 50-0 win over Burkina Faso, followed by a hard-fought 20-14 victory against Zambia, set a strong tone heading into Sunday’s knockout rounds. A 31-12 triumph over Tunisia was enough to advance but left lingering questions about the team’s structure and defensive resilience.

Those vulnerabilities were fully exposed against Kenya in a rematch of last month’s Safari Sevens final, which the Simbas had won 17-5.

The Lady Cranes started strongly, with Grace Nabagala breaking through the defense only to be halted at the line, before Peace Lekuru swooped in to finish. But Kenya responded quickly, with Freshia Oduor shrugging off Janat Nandutu’s tackle to score and later intercepting for another decisive try, taking the halftime lead 10-5.

Lekuru struck again after the break to level the scores, but Naomi Amuguni’s late-game run broke Uganda’s hearts as Kenya sealed a dramatic victory on the final play.

‘The tournament has been a good one, despite losing a crucial game in the dying minutes,’ coach Onen reflected. ‘The girls gave their all over the weekend, and the results we have reflect that effort.’

In the other semifinal, South Africa continued their dominant display with a 29-0 win over Madagascar, setting up a repeat of last year’s final against Kenya. Motivated by memories of their Los Angeles playoff defeat that had secured only a Division Two slot, the Boks were ruthless, winning 22-0 to claim a record 13th title.

Uganda, meanwhile, found solace in a 38-12 win over Madagascar to secure the bronze medal, a consolation that, while bittersweet, highlighted their growth and promise on the continental stage.

2025 RUGBY AFRICA WOMEN’S CUP

Uganda’s results

Group stage results

Uganda 50-0 Burkina Faso

Uganda 20-14 Zambia (14)

Quarterfinal: Uganda 31-12 Tunisia

Semifinal: Uganda 10-17 Kenya

Bronze: Madagascar 12-38 Uganda

The Ugandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening land governance and protecting vulnerable communities from unfair evictions, officials said on Monday.

Speaking at the closure of the decade-long Response to Land Policy in Uganda (RELAPU) project, State Minister for Lands, Dr Sam Mayanja, said the government’s efforts in formulating and implementing land policies and laws have reshaped the country’s development outlook.

‘By issuing a certificate of occupancy and customary ownership, we are not just producing paper, we are producing security, peace, and wealth.a certificate of occupancy in the hands of the widow is a shield to disposition,’ Dr Mayanja said.

He added that RELAPU has helped households invest, access credit, and resolve long-standing disputes, shifting focus from Mailo land to customary holdings.

‘Responsible Land Policy in Uganda has turned land security into a practical economic tool, documenting more than 111,000 households and giving communities more confidence to invest. Women can farm without fear of eviction, farmers can plan long-term, and local systems are stronger at preventing land grabbing and resolving disputes,’ he said.

Daniel Kirumira, RELAPU team leader, said the programme had issued 10,842 Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs), 558 Certificates of Occupancy on private Mailo land, supported 111,286 households with Land Inventory Protocols (LIP), facilitated 894 tenancy agreements in refugee-hosting areas, and resolved 82 percent of recorded land-related conflicts.

‘Since 2016, RELAPU has contributed significantly to Uganda’s land governance agenda through five major components, including institutional capacity building, digital land service delivery, customary land documentation, community sensitisation, and grievance resolution mechanisms,’ Kirumira said.

He added that the programme also strengthened secure land access in refugee-hosting districts, promoted responsible investment practices, and enhanced advisory capacities for land governance across Africa.

Officials emphasized that secure land rights are both a legal milestone and an economic foundation, unlocking access to credit, boosting productivity, and strengthening local governance.

Joseph Ssembatya, Commissioner of Land Registration at the Lands Ministry, noted that most land disputes arise from tenure systems, but decentralizing registration and strengthening zonal offices is helping curb conflicts.

The announcement follows fresh government rules on evictions, which ban all non-court-sanctioned evictions and require that any eviction occur in broad daylight and in the presence of local police, aiming to protect communities from unlawful land dispossession.

The Ministry of Health announced at the weekend that it has launched investigations into controversies surrounding the death of Greenhill Academy pupil Augustine Kizito Ssemakula, who passed away at TMR International Hospital in Kampala on November 13. The move followed viral social media posts and online reports alleging a Shs150m hospital bill and the withholding of the body, claims the hospital has since denied.

‘Our responsible teams are currently investigating this matter to gather facts. But for now, no one has filed a formal complaint,’ Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Health ministry’s spokesperson, told the Daily Monitor at the weekend. Ssemakula was taken to TMR after reportedly falling from a second-floor balcony at Greenhill Academy Buwaate Campus on October 22, sustaining severe injuries that required ICU admission. The campus head teacher, Mr Benon Lubwama, contacted yesterday to explain the cause of the fall, said he was attending the burial and could not comment. The body was laid to rest yesterday in Mukono, according to A-plus Funeral Management.

The child’s parents are Mr Kenneth Nsubuga, the deputy legal advisor to the Democratic Party, and Ms Elizabeth Namakula, also a lawyer. At a vigil in Najjera, Kira Municipality, on November 14, Mr Nsubuga described the incident as an accident. ‘I tried to go to Greenhill to see where the accident happened, but I failed. I have not returned to Greenhill to ask for an explanation, but when they gave the height, no one could survive,’ Mr Nsubuga was quoted as saying. He also stated that he has no plans to sue. ‘Stop using the name of our son to fight Greenhill and the hospital. We shall not sue anyone. I would rather invest that time in consoling my wife,’ he said.

Mr Nsubuga added: ‘The late Augustine spent three weeks in the ICU. I have not cried for my boy; I last cried when my boy was in the hospital, but I know I will cry when the right time comes. This is a lesson on how a parent should behave towards a child and how the child should behave towards the parent.’ Social media users alleged that TMR refused to release the body until the bill was paid, but the hospital denied this. ‘TMR International Hospital is aware of the circulating claims regarding the circumstances of the care provided to the late Augustine and the hospital’s interaction with his family. We categorically refute these allegations,’ the management said in a November 15 statement.

The hospital dismissed the Shs150m bill but did not disclose the actual amount. It also denied withholding the body, rejecting media reports that had cited unnamed family sources. ‘We extend our condolences to the family. Augustine’s passing is a profound loss, and despite the tireless efforts of our medical team and the full spectrum of interventions provided, we were unable to save his life. Throughout his admission, the family received full clinical guidance and administrative support…,’ the facility said.

It added: ‘After his demise, the body was never withheld by TMR International Hospital. At no point did the hospital delay, deny or place conditions on the release of the body. Any allegations suggesting otherwise are entirely unfounded.”

In defence of the hospital

The Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF), of which TMR is a member, backed the hospital. The Executive Director of UHF, Ms Grace Ssali Kiwanuka, praised the ‘exemplary care’ at TMR and explained the costs. ‘TMR International Hospital is a member of the federation, and upon receiving these allegations, we immediately engaged the facility to understand the finer details that may not be visible in the public domain. We extend our condolences to the family. Their pain at this loss is unimaginable,’ she said.

Ms Kiwanuka said the child’s injuries required multiple surgeries, specialised teams, round-the-clock care, extensive medications, and imported inputs.

‘This naturally increases the cost of care. The cost of Shs150m for 21 days in ICU sounds alarming; however, we have been informed that the total bill for this patient was significantly lower than the Shs150m being quoted online,’ she said.

Ms Kiwanuka added: ‘It is also important to keep in mind that ICU care in a private hospital typically ranges between Shs4 to 6m per day, depending on the complexity of the case. For context, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Uganda estimated an average cost of Shs3.2m per day for a single-condition ICU patient in a national referral hospital, an institution that benefits from economies of scale and subsidised resources.”

She explained that private hospitals lack subsidies and must procure specialised inputs, which drives up costs for complex cases.

Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, the director of Public Health at the Health ministry, said in a recent interview that government discussions are ongoing to regulate private facility charges.

Withholding bodies

Prof Joel Okullo, the head of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, said it is against medical ethics for hospitals to withhold the body of a deceased patient over unpaid bills.

‘We have told the private hospitals that it is unethical for them to retain patients or bodies because of non-payment. They should work out a formula that one can use to pay without necessarily having to retain any patient or dead body,’ he told this newspaper earlier.

If you are a fan of Namuwongo Blazers, there is every reason that you are still celebrating knocking City Oilers off a perch they owned for 10 completed National Basketball League seasons.

Call yourself a champion every day. It is worth it. Beating City Oilers in four straight games for a 4-2 final series victory was worth every decibel at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

However, the team and players must have moved on by now. They ought to. There is bigger fish to fry in trying to get to Africa’s premier competition – the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The BAL is the premier men’s basketball competition in Africa founded in 2019 by the NBA and Fiba. It attracts 12 teams from different countries and only City Oilers has represented Uganda thus far.

Predictably, City Oilers are the only Ugandan side to have played at this stage – having played in the Road to BAL four times, qualifying in 2023 and 2024.

This has always been the goal, the dream, and the ultimate. In fact, while unveiling one of their sponsors, Britam Insurance, on March 4, 2024, the club president George Nkya reminded us of that ambition.

‘Our ambitions are set quite high. I said this last year when we were beginning the league that our goal has been BAL and we have chosen our partners very carefully,’Nkya told the media.

Boxes have been ticked since then and Blazers are in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, for the Road To BAL East Division Elite 16 tournament at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani from Tuesday to Sunday.

To match the occasion, the Blazers have beefed up their roster from the zonal qualifiers. Point guard Jovan Mooring has joined having played for South African side Made By Ball last season.

Senegalese center Mohammed Sidy Djitte is also in alongside wing Jaycson BeReal. The top two teams from the tournament in Nairobi will qualify for the BAL finals in Kigali, Rwanda.

Hosts Nairobi City Thunder will start as favourites while the second slot could be a tossup.

Road to BAL – Elite 16

Fixtures

Tuesday: Blazers vs. Nairobi, 6pm

Tomorrow: J. Giants vs. Blazers, 6pm

Sugarcane farmers in Busoga Sub-region are divided over the composition of the newly inaugurated Uganda Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council.

The Sugarcane (Amendment) Bill, 2023, passed on April 15, 2025, establishes a Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council for self-regulation.

President Museveni signed the Bill into law on May 30, 2025 after consultations on contentious issues.

The 10-member council comprises four representatives from sugarcane-growing areas, three from sugar millers, and three from relevant government ministries (Finance, Agriculture, and Trade).

The council is headed by Mr Rajbir Singh Rai as its Chairperson. The out grower representatives include Mr. Robert Atugonza, Ms. Elizabeth Mbeiza, Ms. Santa Joyce Laker, and Mr. Isa Budhugo.

The miller representatives are Mr. Mayur Muljibhai Madhvani, Mr. Milan Dobaria Vithalbhai, and Mr. Ashish Monpara. Government representatives include Dr. Swidiq Mugerwa from Agriculture, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi from Finance Ministry, and Ms. Lynette B. Bagonza from Trade Ministry, where serves as Secretary.

Cabinet approved the appointment of the council’s 10 members on October 6, 2025, with an official tenure of two years.

On October 23, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives officially inaugurated the council to strengthen governance, enhance productivity, and regulate Uganda’s sugar sector.

The council’s mandate includes licensing and expansion oversight, developing a sugar industry master plan, promoting fair pricing mechanisms, market optimization, dispute resolution, and adopting innovative technologies.

However, a section of farmers from Busoga sub region have opposed the council’s composition.

Mr David Christopher Mwombe, chairperson of Busoga Sugarcane Growers Association (BSGA), said they were very happy with the existence of the regulatory body because it was the only sector which was not regulated but unsatisfied with its composition.

‘Some representatives on the sugar council are not genuine. They are not representing any farmer in Busoga. A single mother can’t discuss issues affecting women in marriage when she’s divorced herself,” Mr Mombwe said.

Mr Mombwe singled out Mr Atugonza , the Chairperson of Masindi Sugarcane Out growers Association Limited as the only genuine representative of the farmers on the Sugar Council.

He alleged that the Busoga representatives’ election was marred by irregularities, with participants from outside Busoga allegedly influencing the outcome, rendering the process unfair.

“Most of the voters who participated in the election of representatives from Busoga were not genuine voters because they were picked from districts of Kayunga, Mukono and Atiak. How can farmers from different areas vote for Busoga?” he asked.

According to him, Mr Budhugo was declared winner as representative for Busoga because they considered majority votes, yet most were not genuine votes.

‘Since the farmers’ representatives aren’t genuine farmers, we’re underrepresented on the council, struggling to advocate for farmers’ interest,” he said.

On September, 25 the First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga intervened in the issue of who represents Busoga on the Council to ensure fair representation but farmers failed to agree.

The farmers representatives were picked from four major sugarcane growing areas including North, Busoga, Buganda and Bunyoro sub region.

“Those who lost the election should not put pressure on others. In elections, there are losers and winners. There was no way the farmers could elect Mr Mombwe, who led Kakira Sugarcane Out-growers, when Mr Mayur (Managing Director Kakira Sugar Ltd) was also elected to the Council. They are the ones who betrayed me first – that’s politics. If you fail, accept the defeat,” said Mr Budhugo, the chairperson of the National Sugarcane Growers Association.

While speaking to sugarcane farmers in Jinja over the weekend , Mr Kirunda Faruk, the deputy presidential press secretary, said he is planning to discuss the issue with President Museveni, who is currently in the Sub-region on his campaign trail.

“I’m aware of the issue and plan to discuss it with President Museveni to address concerns. I’ll arrange a meeting with the farmers’ chairperson and council representatives to find solutions,” he said.

Mr. Kirunda revealed that there’s a plan to make changes in the council if the current one has some loopholes.

“The council was established to solve farmers’ problems, and if it’s not serving its purpose, we’ll reassess and make necessary changes,” he said.

In Buganda, the situation is the same; a section of farmers wanted Mr. Julius Katerevu, Chairman of Greater Mukono Sugarcane Growers Cooperative Society Ltd, but Ms. Elizabeth Mbeiza, the Human Resource Officer attached to Victoria Sugar Factory Limited, was elected to represent farmers.

‘It’s true that I work with Victoria Sugar but I am also a sugarcane farmer, which qualifies me to serve on the sugar council,” she said.

Have you ever caught yourself clenching your jaw during a tense meeting or woken up with a dull ache that feels like you have been gnawing on bricks all night? Across Uganda, whether in boardrooms or navigating traffic, millions of adults unknowingly engage in repetitive behaviours that target the oral structures, known as parafunctional habits.

These habits involve non-functional movements of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues. Globally, up to 30 percent of adults are affected, leading to eroded enamel, strained muscles, and headaches that painkillers cannot fully relieve.

Common habits include bruxism, nail biting, cheek or lip chewing, tongue posture, and excessive gum chewing, with bruxism being the most prevalent.

Studies in urban centres such as Kampala indicate that one in three working adults grind their teeth at night, often unaware until a partner mentions it. Nail biting continues into adulthood for 15-20 percent of adults, usually during stressful or monotonous moments.

Adulthood introduces stressors such as financial pressure, long commutes, relationship challenges, and constant information overload, which can keep the nervous system overactive and trigger jaw clenching.

Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, can provoke protective grinding, while misaligned bites from childhood issues or missing molars can lead to compensatory movements.

Stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks, or alcohol, and poor ergonomics, such as hunching over laptops, can also increase muscle tension.

Managing

Addressing these habits involves awareness, stress management, and professional assistance. Start by tuning into your behaviours; set phone reminders to ‘unclench’ your jaw or replace gum chewing with sugar-free mints. Nighttime teeth grinders may benefit from custom mouth guards. Cognitive strategies, such as placing a mirror to catch cheek biting, can build mindfulness, while evening rituals, warm baths, herbal tea, calming shows, or reading, can reduce stress.

In persistent cases, medical interventions such as botulinum toxin injections into overactive jaw muscles, orthodontic correction, or restorative crowns may be necessary.

Without intervention, these habits can cause cracked teeth, receding gums, and temporomandibular disorders. With early action, most adults can regain comfort and confidence in their oral health.

Residents of Jinja and Buikwe districts have raised alarm over the steadily deteriorating hygienic condition at the iconic Nile Bridge, a world-class landmark that has long-served as one of Uganda’s leading tourism attractions.

Once celebrated for its architectural beauty and immaculate surroundings, the bridge is now at the center of a growing public outcry as locals accuse authorities of neglect and poor maintenance.

According to residents, the situation worsened after the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) was merged into the Ministry of Works and Transport.

They claim that several projects previously supervised by UNRA, including the Nile Bridge have since fallen into disrepair, with some maintenance operations seemingly abandoned.

Locals who frequent the bridge say the change in management has resulted in sluggish upkeep, leaving the bridge’s hygiene standards in a worrying state.

A visit to the bridge on Sunday painted a grim picture.

The walls of the pedestrian lanes were caked with mud, drainage holes clogged with assorted rubbish, and the sides of the bridge were overgrown with grass and crops such as maize.

Mr Tom Oyugi, chairperson of the boda-boda stage at New Bridge, Njeru noted that the bridge and its adjacent roundabout areas no longer offer the welcoming environment they once did.

Mr Oyugi questioned the current chain of responsibility for maintenance, observing that since UNRA’s functions were absorbed into the Ministry of Works, cleaning and slashing activities around the bridge have drastically slowed down.

Previously, UNRA workers regularly maintained the area, ensuring the bridge retained its world-class image.

‘We get embarrassed when travellers ask how often this place is cleaned. Many of them complain that the bridge no longer looks as beautiful as it used to. They expected better, considering its international reputation,’ Mr Oyugi said.

Similarly, Mr Ali Sebugwawo, a concerned resident of Njeru, warned that the declining hygiene could tarnish the country’s image.

He emphasized that the bridge has always been a major attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors, many of whom would stop to take photographs while crossing.

‘This is the responsibility of the line Ministry. UNRA used to keep this place spotless. That is why no traveller passed without taking a photo. But now it’s the opposite,’ Mr Sebugwawo said.

Mr Joseph Kasakya, a boda-boda rider said Ministers and MPs always use the bridge and see what is happening but cannot report such to the authority is a big challenge.

Over two months ago, the Ministry of Works and Transport deployed a cleaning agency whose work lasted for weeks.

Residents are now urging the government to urgently restore routine maintenance of the bridge.

Many fear that failure to act quickly will not only harm tourism but also diminish the pride associated with one of Uganda’s most celebrated engineering achievements.

When contacted on Monday, Mr Allan Ssempebwa, a senior communications officer at the Ministry said a cleaning agency was on site to do the necessary maintenance.

About the Jinja New Bridge

The cable-stayed bridge, which has a lifespan of 120 years, was constructed at a cost of Shs390 to replace Old Nalubaale Bridge.

It was jointly built by Zenitaka Corporation and Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd., and was commissioned by President Museveni on October 17, 2018.

Kisoro District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Steven Nsabiyunva has died.

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) John Nyakahuma said Dr Nsabiyunva succumbed to internal organs failure on Saturday evening at Mengo Hospital in Kampala after being admitted for nearly a month.

“He was a wonderful, quiet, knowledgeable, and a passionate leader dedicated to improving the district’s health status,” Mr Nyakahuma eulogised.

He added that Kisoro District Local Government will liaise with the family to organize a decent send-off.

Kisoro LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana expressed deep condolences to the family of Dr. Steven Nsabiyunva, his former boss and friend. Bizimana, who worked under Dr Nsabiyunva as District Health Educator a decade ago, euloised him as “a resourceful leader who spearheaded the district’s successful COVID-19 vaccination drive, achieving over 80 percent coverage for the target population. He also thanked the Mengo medical team for their valiant efforts.

The LCV Councilor for Nyarusiza Sub-County, Johns Mfitumukiza described Dr Nsabiyunva as a hands-on field officer.

“He was a hands-on field officer who reached out to communities, identified challenges, and found solutions,” he said.

He highlighted the DHO’s advocacy for staffing health facilities to bring services closer to locals.

“The death is shocking, coming soon after that of late Minister Sarah Nyirabashitsi, our former Kisoro Woman MP,” Mr Mfitumukiza said.

He thanked district staff for supporting Dr Nsabiyunva during his illness, as many made several hospital visits.

LCV Councilor for Nyakinama Sub-County, Mr Emmanuel Ndayisaba, said Kisoro has lost a vital figure.

He portrayed Dr Nsabiyunva as a listening leader who attentively addressed concerns from locals and health workers.

About 800 households from three villages in Rakai District have received temporary relief from a pending eviction following the intervention of the Rakai Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ms Sarah Kiyimba.

The affected residents, who occupy sections of land in the villages of Kakundiro, Byakabanda, and Kiyonza in Byakabanda Sub-county, petitioned the office of the RDC after receiving eviction notices from a businessman identified as Mr Jamada Mutebi, who claims ownership of more than 170 acres.

During a community meeting held on the disputed land on November 10, the residents told the RDC that the dispute over its ownership dates back to 2006, when Mr Mutebi first attempted to take full possession of the land, insisting he was the rightful owner. Locals also accuse Mr Mutebi of fraudulently acquiring the disputed land by allegedly forging signatures of district land officials.

‘If he [Mutebi] had obtained the land through proper channels, we would mobilise the locals to pay him Busuulu (annual nominal ground rent), but we have information that the transaction in which he was purportedly allocated public land by the district land board was done during the Covid pandemic lockdown,’ Mr Eriab Ssango, one of the affected residents, said during the meeting.

‘We also remember that during that time, land transactions had been suspended,’ he added. Residents further accuse Mr Mutebi of attempting to use forceful means to evict them from land where they have lived for over two decades. ‘He has attempted to use armed men to evict people, and several residents have lost property in foiled eviction attempts. We have tried to report the matter to police with little success. We have temporary relief because of the RDC’s intervention,’ Mr George Bbale, the chairperson of Byakabanda Sub-county, said.

Ms Kiyimba assured residents that no one will be evicted without following the right procedures, adding that even if Mr Mutebi secures a court order, it must first be assessed by the District Security Committee, which she heads. ‘We can’t just sit back and watch when someone is destabilising the area simply because he reportedly secured a court order. The District Security Committee has to first sit and assess the situation before any court order is implemented,’ she said.

Mr Mutebi, however, dismissed claims that he intends to evict residents from the disputed land, saying the allegations are aimed at tarnishing his image.

‘I have instructed my legal team to handle the matter,’ he said, without divulging details.