By Our Reporter.
*Bulambuli RDC, NRM Chairman Accused of Colluding with Eastern Agriculture Uganda Ltd, Defies HIgh Court Order to Forcefully Seize Land*
Bulambuli District – In a shocking turn of events, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bulambuli, Hajjat Balanyi Bosa Faheera, has been accused of conspiring with Eastern Agriculture Uganda Limited to forcefully seize land from over 400 local residents, leaving families displaced and in despair.The controversy stems from a long-standing dispute over land initially sold by Mara Company, a local entity, to Chinese investors.
While the land was ostensibly acquired through legal channels, residents claim they have not been fully compensated for their property, and a court order exists protecting them from forced eviction.Hajjat Faheera had earlier scheduled a meeting for January 14, 2025, to address the residents’ concerns. She assured them that their grievances would be resolved once she reviewed the court orders. However, on December 31, 2024, in a surprising move, she summoned the landowners to her office for an urgent meeting.
While residents gathered at her office, the RDC was instead seen on the contested land with representatives of Mara Company, Eastern Agriculture Uganda Limited, and hired individuals posing as landowners. During a staged ceremony, hired actors claimed they had willingly vacated the land.Following the handover ceremony, chaos broke out as thugs armed with pangas and machetes began destroying property, burning homes, and chasing legitimate landowners off their land. Meanwhile, the stranded residents waited anxiously at the RDC’s office, unaware of the events unfolding on their property.
Despite numerous calls from state officials and lawyers urging her to address the situation, Hajjat Mpalanyi Bosa delayed meeting the residents until late in the evening. When she finally spoke with them, she dismissed their concerns, claiming that the land had been earmarked for investors under “presidential orders.”The RDC instructed the residents to leave the land immediately, promising to “follow up” on their unpaid compensation with Mara Company. However, her tone quickly turned threatening, warning the landowners not to return to the disputed land.
The evicted families, left without shelter, have sought refuge in a local church, where they await clarity on their fate. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing the RDC of betraying her mandate to protect the interests of her community.Human rights advocates and local leaders have condemned the RDC’s actions, calling for an independent investigation into the alleged collusion with Eastern Agriculture Uganda Limited. “This is a gross violation of human rights and an abuse of office.
These families deserve justice,” said one activist.The affected residents are now appealing to higher authorities, including President Yoweri Museveni, to intervene and ensure that the promises of Operation Wealth Creation, which aim to uplift local livelihoods, are upheld.
As the dust settles on this contentious issue, the plight of the Bulambuli landowners remains a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles surrounding land ownership and governance in Uganda.
