A delegation from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is conducting a fact-finding mission in Kasese district over the contentious Bwenanule land, allegedly purchased by the government to resettle flood victims currently encamped at Muhokya.
The Muhokya Resettlement Camp houses victims of the 2020 floods, which displaced thousands across Kasese. In July 2021, the Prime Minister pledged that the government would resettle the affected families, but this promise remains unfulfilled.
During the visit, the delegation, led by Gen. Rugadia Akiiki, Head of Emergency at the OPM, inspected the 400-acre land in question. The visit took an unexpected turn when Mr. Lawrence Bwambale, the Local Council I Chairperson, presented documents revealing that the land was embroiled in a legal dispute over ownership.
Initially, Makitibu Mixed Farmers claimed to own the land, stating they acquired a title in 1987. However, Mr. Bwambale informed the delegation that recent checks in Entebbe indicated the land was not titled.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Bwenanule Trading Centre in Muhokya Town Council, Gen. Akiiki confirmed that funds were released by the OPM to purchase land for the resettlement of flood victims. He assured residents that their mission was to establish whether the land was purchased, its exact location, the identity of the seller, and how the affected persons were involved. He pledged to compile a comprehensive report, reflecting all community concerns transparently.
Mr. Solomon Eluguti, the Disaster Preparedness Manager, acknowledged the region’s vulnerability to disasters and expressed frustration over the prolonged displacement of flood victims. He emphasized the government’s commitment to securing land through legitimate channels to expedite the resettlement process.Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Busongora County, Mr. Zepher Mubingwa, urged Bwenanule residents to remain calm while the government resolves the land dispute.
The visit marks a critical step in addressing the plight of the flood victims, with hopes that the findings will expedite long-overdue interventions.
