Joneni Bwambale, a resident of Busongora County North in Kasese District, has petitioned the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) in Kampala against the Attorney General of Uganda and Kasese Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Lt. (Rtd) Joe Walusimbi, accusing them of allegedly violating the rights of land victims encamped at the RDC’s offices in Kasese town.
On August 19, the Kasese District Security Committee, chaired by Lt. Walusimbi, directed the camp occupants to vacate the RDC’s offices, citing complaints from Kasese Municipal authorities about poor sanitation and security threats posed by their continued presence.
Following the directive, Lt. Walusimbi immediately instructed the police to take charge of the premises and ensure the occupants left. The order further indicated that those who had temporarily moved out of the camp should be denied re-entry and instead be sent back to their respective homes.
On Tuesday, Bwambale formally lodged a complaint with the UHRC, stating that there have been gross human rights violations committed by agents of the respondents, yet no action has been taken to address the matter.
He further argued that, for the last three months, hundreds of victims of unlawful and forced evictions from across the district had peacefully camped at the RDC’s offices to demand government intervention in their land disputes.
Speaking to our reporter, Bwambale confirmed his petition, expressing concern over the plight of the affected families, who he said have allegedly been denied access to food and medical care.
