Big name construction firm – Energo is in the news over a grave land wrangle in which they are accused of forcefully occupying land belonging to a vulnerable family in complete disregard of a court restraining order.
The family of the late Temiteo Mutawonga have expressed their concern that Energo Construction Company has consistently defied a court order and continued operating on their disputed land in Kigogwa, Gobe, Wakiso District. The land, claimed by Mutawonga’s daughters, Miss Annet Kalanzi Mpiima and Nakangu Mirabu Ssebuliba, has been at the center of a bitter legal battle. The family accuses Energo of illegally occupying the land, insisting the land was fraudulently leased to the company by their relative.
A High Court restraining order was issued, barring Energo from any further activities on the land until the matter is resolved.
The court order was delivered by the DPC of Kasangati, Mr. Moses Karakire Musinguzi, who had previously warned both parties not to violate the ruling. Despite this, Energo has continued its operations, openly defying the court’s directive, which has left the Tawonga family furious.
“We’ve been denied access to our own land, and now the company is defying the very court order meant to protect us,” Miss Kalanzi lamented. She and her sister are demanding UGX 8 billion in compensation for the emotional and financial strain they’ve endured throughout the ongoing dispute.
The family has also painfully revealed that efforts by their lawyer to reach out to the construction firm for a peaceful resolution of the impasse fell flat after they were offered a paltry Shillings 100 take it or leave it offer or risk losing the land for nothing.
” We try to negotiate because we knew we are powerless but Energo shamelessly told our lawyer they were willing to give us only Shs 100 or take the land for free,” Laments a family member, tears in her eyes.
Mr. Joseph Ssenkumba, the area LC1 chairman, expressed his concern over Energo’s actions, stating that the situation threatens to escalate further if the company continues to ignore the law. “This isn’t just about the land anymore; it’s about respect for the law,” he said.
Whether Mr. Musinguzi, the DPC, will take steps to stop Energo from continuing its operations remains to be seen. For now, the family and the local community await further action from the authorities as tensions rise, with many calling for a firm response to enforce the court’s ruling.
The events come at a time when land grabbing cases are on the rise despite efforts by the government to protect it’s citizens. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in February 2022 issued strict instructions to the Resident District Commissioners to amplify the fight against displacement of the vulnerable by the wealthy, a voice that was threatening the popularity of the NRM government.
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