Summary:
- Mwijukye stated that his blood would be the last to be shed in Buhweju due to what he termed the “impunity of land grabbers.”
BUHWEJU: The Buhweju County Member of Parliament, Honorable Francis Mwijukye, on Friday 19th July 2024 finally returned home after a two-month absence following a brutal assault by armed goons in his constituency in early May.
Mwijukye was attacked while attempting to mediate a land dispute involving Rwanyamabare Catholic Parish in Butare.
His constituents have eagerly awaited his return, and hundreds gathered to welcome him back, escorting him to his home in a show of support and solidarity.
Through his Twitter handle, Mwijukye stated that his blood would be the last to be shed in Buhweju due to what he termed the “impunity of land grabbers.”
Mwijukye boldly declared that he would continue to resist impunity and land grabbing.
“Glory be to God. I am back home and I am alive. The Almighty God saved me from murderers and land grabbers. My blood will be the last drop to be shed in Buhweju because of the impunity of land grabbers. We will resist impunity and land grabbing. Thank you, Lord,” Mwijukye stated.
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, while at St. Jude, Rwanyamabare Catholic Church in Buhweju District, Mwijukye was hit in the head with a panga and a stick with nails.
He was later admitted to Nakasero Hospital.
After his admission, Mwijukye made a statement saying he survived death by a miracle.
“Had it not been God’s grace, I would not be alive to tell this story. Certainly, this is a deep reflection of the decay and rot of systems in Uganda and the fate that ordinary people are headed for if it is not checked,” Mwijukye stated.
He claimed that as a member of the Butare Catholic Parish Council in charge of the parish land, St. Jude, Rwanyamabare Catholic Church falls under his ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
He stated, “The said church has existed for many years. The disputed land also houses a school, community water source, tea gardens, and several homesteads.”
The ownership of the contested land is claimed by Frank Kamugisha and his son Edwin, a lawyer, who attempted evictions.
