Attorney General Vows to Halt Illegal Eviction of 100-Year-Old Nubian Settlement in Bombo

Attorney General Sam Mayanja has issued a stern warning against the ongoing intimidation and illegal eviction of Nubian families in Bombo, Luweero District. He vowed that the government will no longer tolerate fraudulent land acquisitions and corrupt practices that target long-term occupants.

During a community meeting on August 19th in Bembe Village, Bombo Town Council, Mr. Mayanja addressed concerns from residents facing displacement from land spanning Gogonya, Bembe Central, and Asuru villages. These families have reportedly lived on the land for over 100 years.

Mr. Mayanja expressed dismay that individuals are attempting to dispossess families who have held generational ownership. He highlighted that a land title, allegedly registered in 2015 and used by claimants, is deemed illegal. He noted that a directive from the Ministry of Lands in 2024 had ordered the removal of this title from the Land Registry, yet it remains active.

“My office will follow up the matter to find out why a land title that was made on top of an existing one has not been revoked despite the earlier directive. The impunity used by land grabbers must stop,” Mr. Mayanja stated.

Local leaders have indicated that the dispute arises from claims based on fraudulent documentation. Village chairpersons have identified individuals like Alex Male, Moses Katende, and Fred Musibira as the claimants, who reportedly use agents to assert ownership over portions of land identified by Block 29, Plots 772 and 773. Previous petitions to district authorities and the State Minister for Lands in 2024 had recommended the arrest of those presenting the fraudulent title and its cancellation from the registry.

Residents, some over 79 years old, recounted receiving notifications from agents of Alex Male claiming ownership of land they have occupied since childhood and inherited from their parents. They emphasized that the Constitution protects their occupancy as bonafide landowners.

When contacted, an agent representing Mr. Alex Male, James Ssembajwe, stated that the matter is currently in court and that his clients are awaiting a judicial decision. He mentioned that attempts to engage with the tenants after acquiring the title in 2015 were met with defiance.

Land disputes remain a significant issue in the Greater Luweero region, with statistics indicating that over 85 percent of annual cases registered at the Resident District Commissioner’s office are land-related.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)