Panic and grief have engulfed a family in Ibarya Cell, Kihanda Sub-county, Kanungu District, after unidentified men armed with hammers, axes, and machetes (pangas) violently raided their home in broad daylight, leaving them homeless and destitute.
The attack targeted the residence of Anna Kyahamutima and occurred without prior notice. The assailants reportedly destroyed the family’s house, gardens, and other property. Allegations suggest the demolition was carried out under the directive of the Ministry of Water, although no official court order or notice was presented.
According to Kyahamutima’s daughter, Asiimwe Allen, who was home during the incident, the ordeal began around midday when she heard unfamiliar voices outside.
“I had just returned from the gardens and was resting when I heard people shouting and giving commands to start demolishing. Within moments, they were tearing off the iron sheets and banging on the doors. I hid under the bed as they pulled down the house, removed doors and windows, and destroyed everything,” Allen recounted.
She suspects the attack is linked to an ongoing government effort to acquire land for a World Bank–funded irrigation scheme. Allen alleges that her family had previously received threats from government officials, including representatives from the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), urging them to vacate the land.
“We had requested more time to relocate our belongings, and we believed an understanding had been reached. But instead of dialogue, they came with violence and destruction. Some Ministry of Water officials had been threatening us,” she added.
However, Kanungu RDC Mwesigye Ambrose denied any involvement in the raid, emphasizing that government projects follow proper legal procedures.
“The family was compensated and asked to vacate the land. Others who were compensated have already moved, and the project is about to begin,” Mwesigye said.
Kanungu District Police Commander, SP Azira Grace, also distanced the police from the incident, stating that the operation was carried out solely by the Ministry of Water, based on an agreement previously made with the family.
“As police, we did not participate in the eviction. It was executed by the Ministry of Water in line with the terms agreed upon after compensation,” SP Azira noted.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Ministry of Water officials were unsuccessful.
The violent nature of the incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who criticized security authorities for failing to intervene despite the broad daylight attack, which lasted several minutes. Community members argue that timely action by police could have prevented the destruction.
As of now, Kyahamutima’s family remains stranded with no shelter or possessions. The incident has heightened tension in the area, with fears that further attacks could occur. The community is left questioning the safety of vulnerable families entangled in land disputes linked to government projects.
The Source Reports.
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