22 year old killed in Bulambuli land wrangle
A man known as Wemboyi Godfrey, 22 a Resident of Bunamono Village Bunangaga Parish, Nabongo Sub Country in Bulambuli District lost his life in a heated brawl in a long standing land wrangle
The incident happened on Tuesday in Bunabalayo Village, Bulyalo Parish Bwihonge Sub County in Bulambuli District.
It’s alleged that the deceased was on the land cultivating when unknown assailants attacked him and others beating them up and forcing other to flee danger.
According to Karim Bushendiki who narrowly survived with injuries , they were working on their gardens when the men in Uninform came over and started beating them up without any questions.
After the incident, Wemboyi Godfrey went missing and after some days of missing he was found dead in a swamp which is part of the contested land. They informed the police which came on ground and took the deceased to Muyembe Health Center IV after which he was taken to Mbale City Mortuary for Postmortem.
Brief History:
In 2012 , the residents of Bunabalayo Sub county sold 10.000 cares of land to Mara investments, but they were demanding a balance of 25%. However the land was given to Chinese investors before the balance was cleared.
According to different sources, a court Injuction was put in place blocking the Chinese investors from accessing the land but the authorities have failed to implement the court order.
The Authorities claimed the money was paid to zero balance while the residents claim they are still demanding.
The dissatisfied parties went to court and they claim Court issued an oder allowing them to use over 300 acres of the contested land.
However, they claim to be facing difficulty with the the RDC, and Security agencies who often interfere with their activities.
Authorities Accused of being Biased:
The affected party accuse the Authorities like the Office of the RDC, DPC and the District NRM Chairman for being biased and taking sides with the Chinese investors.
They accused the NRM Chairman Paul Kimamati and the Resident District Commissioner Bulambuli for siding with the so called land grabbers.
Paul Kimamati the NRM chairman denied the allegations and noted that the allegations have been politically motivated. He added that he isn’t aware of a court order supporting the accusers to take over the land.
“Let’s remove politics from these land issues, because am one of those who sold that land and am one of the beneficiaries.
My opponents want use this matter to spoil my name, they want politically disable me ahead of the elections”.
He appealed to the leaders to take action and do proper reconciliation and avoid taking sides and inciting violence.
He explained that they sold over 10.000 acres but there was a balance of 1500 acres which they investors have to give back to the Original owners.
Rogers Taitika the Police Spokesperson Elgon confirmed the incident and revealed that the late was allegedly involved in a conflict with unknown individuals whom they have land wrangles with.
He revealed that investigations have started and that the body of the diseased has been taken to Mbale City Mortuary to help in investigations as inquiries continue.
On allegations that the military was involved in beating the farmers which eventually resulted into death, Major Isaac Oware, the third Division Army Spokesman said in a phone interview that he isn’t aware of the matter but promised to work with ground commanders plus sister security agencies to provide more information.
We tried the call the RDC Bulambuli George Magunda but he couldn’t pick up his phones.
The affected individuals want President Museveni in intervene into their matter as it’s now out of their hands.
