Summary:
- However, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Wilberforce Ongom Ahimbisibwe postponed the meeting to next Wednesday, citing a court order that barred him from intervening while the matter remained under judicial review.
RUKUNGIRI: A violent clash has erupted between two families over a land dispute in Kyabahanga Cell, Bwambara Parish, Bwambara Sub-County, Rukungiri District with locals accusing the police of failing to intervene.
The conflict reportedly began when the family of Okito Balikuddembe, commonly known as Rwakana, allegedly attacked the family of Gustoni Muhangi in their rice, millet, and bean garden. The Muhangi family was awaiting a meeting with the District Security Committee, scheduled to address the dispute. However, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Wilberforce Ongom Ahimbisibwe postponed the meeting to next Wednesday, citing a court order that barred him from intervening while the matter remained under judicial review.
Gustoni Muhangi claims that he bought the contested 15-20 acre plot in 1985 from Balikuddembe’s father. Muhangi asserts that he has written documentation to substantiate the sale and has resided on the land ever since, even burying his parents there. Despite multiple court rulings in his favor, Muhangi alleges that Balikuddembe has continued to encroach on his property, uprooting crops like rice, millet, and beans, and replacing them with banana pits.
Following the cancellation of the meeting, tensions escalated on Monday when the Balikuddembe family confronted the Muhangi family in their garden, resulting in a violent altercation. The fight involved sticks, hoes, and stones, leading to multiple injuries, although no fatalities were reported.
CUE IN FAMILY……ON BEING BEATEN…….RR//
Victims including Steven Twongyeigwe, Anthon Bwisho, Emmanuel Turyatemba, Lillian Tumwekwasize, Ignitious Turyahabwa, and Gustoni Muhangi expressed distress over the lack of security protection and the ongoing threat to their safety.
Despite repeated pleas for intervention, no security personnel responded, leaving residents feeling vulnerable.
CUE IN TWONGYEIGWE…….ON SECURITY……..RR//
When contacted for comment, the Deputy RDC confirmed that he plans to visit the disputed land next week to mediate between the two families.
