The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi district, Mr. Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, has stopped the eviction of over 150 people from their land in Nyawa village, Legu Parish, Itula sub-county.
According to Mr. Hashaka, over 150 people were being forcefully evicted by individuals identified as Kule-Kule of Belameling village and David Mawa of Olinya village, both located in Itula sub-county.
Among those evicted is 72-year-old Muhamed Shaban, whose father, Muhamed Aganas Oforo Maru, was buried on the same land in 1993. Tragically, eight of Mr. Shaban’s cows were killed during the eviction. The cattle keeper was also severely beaten, and property was destroyed.
The RDC has directed the police to immediately halt the eviction, investigate the matter thoroughly, and prosecute those involved.
Mr. Hashaka, accompanied by the district Vice Chairperson, Hon. Okunzi Dralle, and the LC1 chairperson of Nyawa village, visited the scene of the crime to assess the damage. Both the RDC and the Vice Chairperson condemned the illegal eviction and assured the victims of their right to justice.
A retired soldier, Muhamed Shaban, who was one of those evicted, informed the district leaders that the perpetrators were suspected to be armed with guns, pangas, spears, and sticks. He further revealed that after evicting the rightful occupants, the land is then sold or rented to refugees from South Sudan.
Source: Ankole Times