Police probe top ISO official over Busia homes demolition

A senior officer from the Internal Security Organization (ISO) is under police investigation for allegedly demolishing his sibling's homes in Busia District.

Mr Maishallah Miraji, the District Internal Security Officer (ISO) for Kakumiro, has been accused of demolishing two houses belonging to his stepbrothers, Mr Ali Maishallah and Mr Habibu Maishallah.

According to Mr Aramazani Maishallah, a sibling of the affected individuals, Mr Miraji arrived at the scene in a government vehicle bearing State House registration numbers, accompanied by a group of people, and proceeded to demolish the houses.

"He demolished the houses with the help of men who seemed to be security officers, and they took all the property, including belongings of the tenants," he said.

The demolition occurred while Mr Miraji's stepbrothers, Habibu, Ali, and Rashid Maishallah, were detained at Busia police station, and were later charged with arson, and remanded to Masafu Government Prison.

"The wives and children of the imprisoned brothers are now homeless and lack basic necessities like food, clothing, and bedding," Mr Aramazani added.

Ms Alice Kuka, the Busia District Police Commander, confirmed that an investigation is underway.

"He has provided a statement to us and was subsequently released on police bond, as it's his right as a suspect," Ms. Kuka said, adding that the police are currently gathering evidence and recording witness statements.

Mr Feruzi Maishallah, a family member, expressed concerns that Mr Miraji has been misusing his authority to harass and intimidate them.

"We want to inform President Museveni that his employee is misusing government resources, including guns and cars, to intimidate and harass innocent family members," M he stated.

Mr Feruzi revealed that Mr Miraji had previously arrested his stepbrothers with police assistance and detained them without any valid reason or charges.

"He would come to our home with guns and threaten to shoot us multiple times," he recalled.

According to residents, the family disputes stem from the estate of their late father, Asuman Ali Maishallah, a renowned businessman in Busia town. He had six wives and fathered over 74 children, leaving behind numerous acres of land and commercial properties. Although he distributed some of his property among his wives and children before his passing, this did not resolve the family's disputes over the estate.

Mr Miraji's brothers and sisters claim that he is using his power to sell some of the family's houses, unfairly benefiting himself at the expense of his siblings.

"He did not have a court order or any legal authorization to demolish the homes, but instead used his power and influence to carry out the illegal act," Mr. Feruzi stated.

Mr Miraji denied the allegations, stating that he did not demolish the houses and did not use guns to threaten his family members.

"I was in Kampala on official duties on the day they claimed I demolished the two houses," Mr Miraji said. "It's impossible for one person to be in two places at once, so I couldn't have been in Busia destroying homes at the same time."

Ms Fatuma Maishallah, a Councilor at Busia Municipality and biological sister to Miraji, has expressed her belief that her brother is being framed by his stepbrothers.

"I strongly suspect that these boys intentionally demolished their own houses, and now they're trying to frame my brother and ruin his reputation," she stated.