Summary:
- Majambere has called for the correction of these misleading claims so that the public can hear his side of the story.
GOMBA: The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) for Rukiga District, Ivan Kamuntu Ssemakula Majambere, has strongly criticized the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) for spreading false information regarding a land dispute in Kammengo Village, Gomba District.
Majambere has called for the correction of these misleading claims so that the public can hear his side of the story.
“There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the land issue in Kammengo Village that needs to be addressed so the public can understand my position,” Majambere stated.
One of the allegations against Majambere, he says, is that he stole 157 cows. He categorically denied this accusation, explaining that the cows brought onto the disputed land illegally were later moved to Maddu Town by the affected families.
According to Majambere, two individuals later agreed to accept the cows, an event that was witnessed by residents, including the L.C.5 Chairperson and other local leaders. He insists that he has evidence to support this.
“How then could I have stolen the cattle?” Majambere questioned. “My version of events has been deliberately ignored by the authorities, but as the saying goes, time will tell.”
Majambere was remanded to prison on Thursday by Gomba Magistrates’ Court, until December 3, 2024. However, he denied the charges, claiming he was being accused of an offense he didn’t fully understand. He also expressed frustration over the lack of attention to his side of the story but emphasized his compliance with the court’s orders as a law-abiding citizen.
Majambere appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, requesting intervention to ensure his rights are protected.
The charges against Majambere were brought by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), in coordination with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, after his arrest in Rukiga District on Wednesday. He faces charges of Conspiracy to Defraud, Stealing Cattle, and Criminal Trespass.
According to the authorities, Majambere and other individuals, who remain at large, are accused of forcibly seizing land in Gomba District. In August 2023, they allegedly took control of about 300 acres (Block 75, Plot 2) of farmland that belonged to 75-year-old Frank Rushanganwa, who has held a certificate of title for the land since 2003. During this land seizure, 157 cows valued at UGX 318 million were reportedly stolen and moved to an unknown location.
Majambere, however, asserts that he purchased part of the land in question from his co-accused, Amos Mwesigye, in 2020. Mwesigye claims to have purchased the entire property in 2018 but has failed to provide any supporting documentation. The two allegedly sold portions of the land to unsuspecting buyers to further legitimize their illegal occupation.
In March 2024, a court issued an eviction order against Mwesigye. Despite this, Majambere and his associates allegedly continued to threaten the legitimate owner, Mzee Rushanganwa, leading to SHACU’s intervention and Majambere’s subsequent arrest.
