MP, LC5 Chairperson Summoned Over Brutal Murder Amidst Land Dispute

KAMPALA – The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department and Crime Intelligence task teams, has summoned MP Mbabazi Pascal of Buwekula County and LCV Chairperson Muhereza Ntambi Michael of Mubende district for questioning regarding allegations of incitement to violence and other conspiracies linked to the tragic murder of Namutebi Milly Nava.

Namutebi, a 54-year-old peasant and Administrator of the late Zakariya Saku Kikonyogo Estate, was brutally murdered alongside her husband Kayizi Abdullah (53) on July 31, 2023, around 7:45 AM.

The Uganda Police statement reveals that the task team has also recorded a statement from Ahimbisibwe Steven, the LC3 chairperson of Kiruma Sub-county in Mubende district, aged 37.

Uganda Police spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga, disclosed that five suspects – Tumusiime Benjamin, Rukundo Prince alias Muhwezi, Birija Job, Kakaire Zainab, and Basemeire Milly – were charged with murder, attempted murder, and being accessories after the fact of the crime. These suspects were remanded to Kaweri prison until September 15, 2023.

Investigations have shown that on July 30, 2023, Nava Namutebi Milly dispatched two workers to prepare her disputed gardens, spanning 3 square miles. Tumusiime Benjamin obstructed their efforts, instructing them to return with Namutebi herself.

On the morning of July 31, 2023, Namutebi and her husband, accompanied by their sons, confronted Tumusiime Benjamin and proceeded to the gardens. Tragically, they were ambushed by a group of squatters mobilized by Tumusiime. Armed with weapons, including spears, pangas, hoes, sticks, and stones, the assailants viciously attacked and killed Namutebi and Kayizi. Their sons, Ibrahim (21) and Muzafaru (17), managed to escape but sustained severe injuries.

SCP Fred Enanga confirmed an active search for 11 additional suspects, including Serugo Sulait, Kimbugwe Ibra, Seguya Wilber, Semuli Tadeo, Ndayisaba David, Taremwa John, Kemirembe Beatrice, Nakyambadde Annet, Mpeela Lamila, Nakamatte Resty, and Nakalyango Racheal. These individuals are believed to have participated in the attack, some of whom are related to politicians exacerbating the conflict.

The contested land, encompassing 3 square miles of an 8-square-mile area in Buwekula Block 60, plot 1, spans the villages of Kilwani, Kayunga, Lukyamuzi, and Bulega across Madudu and Kiruma sub-counties in Mubende district.

Enanga emphasized the gravity of this heinous and unprovoked murder, condemning such acts of impunity that result in the loss of innocent lives over property disputes. The tragic deaths of Namutebi and Kayizi have left a significant void in the lives of their loved ones. Law enforcement continues their diligent efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure justice is served.