Masaka RCC in trouble for meddling in land dispute

Masaka, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, the Masaka City Deputy Resident Commissioner is under the spotlight for meddling in land cases. Kateregga is accused of ordering the destruction of properties on a disputed piece of land in Kimanya-Kabonera division.

Flugencio Kayemba, a resident of Kaseeta cell, Kitanda ward in Kimanya-Kabonera division, Masaka city is a victim of the deputy RCC’s action and has written to the Minister in charge of the Presidency demanding that he be reprimanded.

Kayemba says has was involved in a land dispute with his neighbors identified as Siifa Nabukeera, who wanted to extend her boundaries in his land. He argues that the matter was reported to the local council courts at the village and sub-county levels but before it was settled, he was surprised to see Kateregga meddling in the dispute and took a decision without due consideration.

In his complaint, Kayemba accused Kateregga of using his powers to order residents to raze plantations on the disputed land, and accordingly uprooted cassava, cut down coffee and other trees.

Katerrega has also been served with an intention to sue or he compensates the victim and his family with 100 Million Shillings for the damages and losses occasioned by his actions and unlawful decision.

According to the notice to sue, drafted by Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, Katerega is accused of assuming powers of a court when he declared Nabukeera the rightful owner of the disputed land and accordingly instructed her to utilize the land.

However, Katergega Musaazi argues that he intervened in the dispute for the good of the community. He indicated that the same dispute had earlier been resolved by his predecessor but eventually, the complainant went around to change what had been agreed upon, which prompted the community to seek the intervention of his office.

Kateregga adds that he intervened in the dispute as a mediator, who never had any selfish interest, blaming the lawyer on intending to become a crisis entrepreneur in a simple matter that can be resolved even at a lower local council level.

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