World War veterans storm land probe over evictions

Kampala.

A group of World War veterans and their families yesterday stormed the commission of inquiry into land matters challenging their eviction from the 12square mile land in Bwebereza-Mugangu Village in Ntenjeru Sub-county in Mukono District.
The ex-servicemen, including Pte Elismas Katende, 94, Pte Wasswa Kisitu,107, Pte George Kawuki, 114, George Kaye, 93 and Pte Yawe Ssempa as well as widows and grandchildren of their deceased colleagues have asked the commission chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire to intervene and save their land.
It is alleged that in 1945, the Queen of England directed then governor of the Uganda Protectorate to grant 30 hectares of land to each of the veterans as a token of appreciation for their victory.

Accusations
Appearing before the Commission, Sheikh Ramathan Tambula accused government officials of colluding with powerful businessmen to evict them from their land overlooking Lake Victoria without compensation.
The government agencies and institutions accused include Ministry of Lands, the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Mukono District officials, sub-county officials and police.
“Our complaint is that whenever anyone linked to the ex-servicemen goes to the land, they are arrested, tortured and detained which forced us to flee our land for safety. These government officials are abusing their offices, aiding influential people including ministers and judges,” Sheikh Tambula said, describing himself as a grandchild and administrator of the estate of the late Ramathan Tambula, an ex-serviceman.
Evidence presented before the Commission indicates that the 12square mile land is claimed by the grandchildren belonging to another deceased ex-serviceman only identified as Kanamwangi.
It is alleged that the group has since surveyed the disputed land, acquired land titles and sold some parts to various people. The complainants have since been evicted by the Kanamwangi family with the help of armed security officers.

Summoned

Last week, Justice Bamugemereire halted any impending transactions and surveys on the disputed land until investigations are concluded.
Lands Minister Betty Amongi is to appear in person to respond to queries in regard to fraudulent payments of billions of Shillings by the Uganda Land Commission under the Land Fund.