By Watchdog reporter
Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the chairperson of Land Inquiry Commission has warned government officials and rich businessmen who intend to use state security agencies to intimidate her, commission members and witnesses to dare do so.
While addressing journalists at Archive Center offices, Bamugemereire said no person however powerful he may be will halt their plans to deal with the critical land wrangles faced by Ugandans.
So far six people have been arrested for allegedly intimidating a witness, Bukanzi Milton at the Commission’s public hearing on May 31. The suspects, who were charged with threatening violence, include Ssebugwanyi George William, Sseruyange Derrick, Magala Joseph, Mutebi Brian Lunninze, Kizito Muhamad and Lutaaya Stephen. They were remanded to Kigo prison.
The Commission faced almost a similar incident during its public hearing in Luweero when one landlord identified as Swaibu Yiga Mukasa allegedly used police and other state security agencies to intimidate witnesses. Former State Minister for Lands, Aida Nantaba had cautioned earlier, that the Commission is likely to face difficulty in dealing with government officials and senior security personnel involved in land grabbing.
Bamugemereire said so far they have got 16,000 land complainants from Kampala, Wakiso and Luweero. In Luweero there are 1,017 land cases; Wakiso has 420 cases while Kampala has 219 land cases.
She further asserted that after three months, the commission will release a report to decide whether the six month ultimatum will enable them tackle all land cases throughout Uganda.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
