Story by Aggrey Twesigye
Security operatives from the UPDF and State House on Sunday night foiled an alleged attempt by businessman Hassan Basajabalaba to seize a section of Kamukuzi Hill, a forest reserve managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) in Mbarara City.
According to reports, security personnel fired live rounds to disperse a group suspected to have been hired to illegally clear the forest land.
The contested area is linked to the expansion of the Kampala International University (KIU) Heart Institute, currently under construction in nearby Rwebikoona.
Mbarara District Chairman Didas Tabaro clarified that the land belongs to the NFA, not the district, and raised concerns over how a private individual acquired a title to public land.
He has since ordered a review of the land file and an investigation into the title acquisition.
Mbarara District NRM Chairman Herbert Kamugisha condemned the alleged land grab and called for a full probe by State House.
Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira confirmed the incident, noting that investigations are ongoing.
