By Our Reporter
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 others to flee the danger.
According to Karim Bushendiki, who narrowly survived with injuries, they were working on their gardens when the men in Uniforms came over and started beating them up without any questions.
After the incident, Wemboyi Godfrey went missing and after some days of being missing, he was found dead in a swamp, which is part of the contested land. They informed the police who came on the 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 acres of land to Mara Investments, but they were demanding a 25% balance. However, the land was given to Chinese investors before the balance was cleared.
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 claimed the Court issued an order allowing them to use the contested land.
However, they claim to be facing difficulty with 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 I am one of those who sold that land and am one of the beneficiaries.”
My opponents want to use this matter to spoil my name, they want to 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 the 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 with whom they have land wrangles.
He revealed that investigations have started and that the body of the deceased 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 in 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 phone after knowing that there is a lot of pressure due to his irregularities and undecided matters.
The affected individuals want President Museveni to intervene in their matter, as it’s now out of their hands.
The investors currently stay at the NRM boss’s house as he enforces and ensures that his people have to leave land, as they even continue to die; this is the second person.
