Gov’t Halts Deployment of Private Gangs on Disputed Lands

Summary:

• The government has immediately halted the deployment of private gangs on disputed lands without court decisions. The state minister for internal affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, emphasized that land disputes should be handled through legal channels, condemning recent violent clashes in Gomba district.

Government has halted the deployment of private gangs on disputed pieces of land without any court decisions with immediate effect.

In a January 4, 2024 letter to the inspector of police (IGP) Martins Okoth Ochola, the state minister for internal affairs Gen. David Muhoozi says the private gangs on disputed lands should be prohibited immediately saying that it is courts of law which are established to handle all disputes including all regarding land.

This comes after a recent incident in Gomba district in which hired rival private gangs fought over disputed land leading to a number of fatalities including the renown Sob which the minister says is an indictment to law enforcement.

Muhoozi says all issues related to land disputes should be done judiciously and humanely in collaboration with the area local authorities adding that such private gangs should only intervene to execute court decisions.

He adds that allowing private gangs portrays a wrong signal among vulnerable Ugandans something that could breed anarchy and cause those who are helpless to resort to self-help as if there is no existing government.

He further says the deployment can apart from the execution of court orders regarding land matters remain enforcing law and order where need arises. “It should never be to take sides and to act irregularly in land disputes, as has been the trend”, he adds.