Rukungiri Police Fail to Intervene in Violent Land Dispute in Bwambara, Locals Left Unprotected.

Rukungiri: A violent clash erupted between two families over a land dispute in Kyabahanga Cell, Bwambara Parish, Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District, on Monday afternoon, with locals accusing the police of failing to intervene.

The conflict began when the family of Okito Balikuddembe, commonly known as Rwakana, allegedly attacked the family of Gustoni Muhangi in their rice, millet, and bean garden. The Muhangi family was waiting for a meeting with the District Security Committee, which had been scheduled to address the land dispute. However, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Wilberforce Ongom Ahimbisibwe postponed the meeting to next Wednesday, citing a court order that barred him from intervening in the matter since it was still under court review.

Gustoni Muhangi claims that the land in question, measuring between 15-20 acres, was purchased by him in 1985 from Barikuddembe’s father. Muhangi asserts that he has written documents proving the sale and has lived on the land ever since, even burying his parents there. Despite multiple court rulings in his favor, Muhangi alleges that Barikudembe has continued to encroach on his land, destroying crops like rice, millet, and beans, and replacing them with banana pits.

Residents Anthon Bwisho, Alice Rugyendo, and Charles Nkabonekyera have expressed fear for their lives, accusing Barikudembe of attempting to seize their land as well.

On Monday, after the meeting with the DRDC was canceled, tensions escalated when the Barikuddembe family confronted the Muhangi family at their garden, resulting in a violent altercation. The fight involved the use of sticks, hoes, and stones, leading to several injuries but no fatalities.

Victims, including Steven Twongyeigwe, Anthon Bwisho, Emmanuel Turyatemba, Lillian Tumwekwasize, Iginitious Turyahabwa, and Gustoni Muhangi, voiced their distress over the lack of security protection and the fear for their safety.

Local leaders, including the Bwambara LC3 Chairperson, tried to reach Rukungiri District Police Commander (DPC) Apollo Kyangungu and District Internal Security Officer (DISO) for assistance, but calls went unanswered. Attempts to contact Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Steven Nsubuga Bewayo and his Deputy Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe also failed. Ahimbisibwe later advised the families to remain calm, promising to address the issue in the upcoming meeting next Wednesday.

Despite repeated pleas for help, no security personnel showed up, leaving residents feeling vulnerable.

When our reporter contacted for comment, the DPC did not respond, and the Deputy RDC confirmed that he plans to visit the disputed land next week to mediate between the two families.

Efforts to reach Okito Balikuddembe for his side of the story were unsuccessful, as neither him nor his son’s phone numbers were reachable.