MP Balyeku wants to kill me - Jinja RDC
Moses Balyeku
Kampala- Jinja Resident District Commissioner Eric Sakwa Joseph has said several politicians and technocrats in the area are after his life over his attempt to stop them from grabbing government land.
Mr Sakwa made the revelation in Kampala yesterday while appearing before the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters that is chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire.
“My life is in danger; I am receiving death threats that since I have come into this matter, I will be dealt with. Hon Moses Balyeku (MP Jinja Municipality West), who has military escorts, has been in the lead,” he said.
The RDC was testifying in the case where Mr Harshdad Baroti, the proprietor of Turipati Development Uganda Limited, is accusing Jinja Municipal Council of giving his land to Mr Thummar Mangalal Jay Patel. Mr Sakwa also said Mr Abubaker Kirunda, the Jinja senior assistant town clerk; Mr Alex Kirunda, the chief finance officer Walukuba – Masese Division, and the district chairperson, Mr Titus Kisambira, are sending him death threats.
“They send people to come and tell me they are planning to shoot me or poison me. I have informed police, the DISO and other colleagues at ISO headquarters,” the RDC said, adding that he is not shaken.
Asked why he has not used his position as chairperson of the district security committee to arrest them, Mr Sakwa said land grabbers have also infiltrated security personnel in the area.
“When you give them instructions to arrest, they go and share with them [land grabbers] audio clips instead of carrying out the assignment,” he said.
Mr Sakwa told the commission that his woes started two weeks ago after he impounded graders and arrested the manager of Accurate Security Services who were grading Plot 24B on Kyabazinga Way.
He explained that following the incident, Mr Balyeku confirmed he had interest in the land together with Mr Mangalal.
Mr Sakwa said even his assistant, Ms Hanifah Karabi, had been compromised with Shs20m to clear the deal and was also sending him threats.
The RDC also said the Division Police Commander, Mr Vincent Irama, has been compromised. “My lord, land stealing in Jinja is a competitive activity and it is done by people who are well protected,” Mr Sakwa said.
The commissioners urged Mr Sakwa to stay firm amid the threats.
Justice Bamugemereire issued criminal summons against Mr Balyeku, who is expected to appear before the Commission today.
