Police foil plan to take over ranch

About 200 residents in Kiryandongo forcibly sub-divided the district ranch, with plans to set up structures and gardens.

Police have foiled an attempt by a section of residents to overrun a government ranch in Kiryandongo District. The midwestern regional police commander, Mr Charles Ssembabulidde, said the about 200 residents had begun sub-dividing the ranch to set up structures and gardens.

The residents, who described themselves as landless, invaded the ranch near river Kafu, armed with pangas, slashers and hoes.

The Resident District Commissioner, Mr Patrick Kawamara, said the district security committee had put in place measures to prevent illegal entry into the government-owned land.

“They want to use force to grab government land, which we as security cannot accept,” Mr Kawamara said.

He said the committee had received information that the group, comprising of residents and some unknown people from outside the district.

Mr Kawamara said the procedures for obtaining public land are clear for residents but wondered why they were not using lawful means.

fmugerwa@ug.nationmedia.com