By Our Reporter
Prossy Mwanjuzi, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) of Mityana, has stepped in to address escalating tensions surrounding a 300-acre land dispute in Namutunku Village, Maanyi Sub-County. The dispute, which involves allegations of fraud and incitement, had threatened to destabilize the local community.
The land in question originally belonged to the late Lubowa’s grandfather and was still registered under a blue page title. The family engaged a land consultant, Kakooza Bright, to assist in securing a proper land title. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Nazziwa Sylivia and her daughter, Nalugo Teopista, raised concerns that the land had been sold without the consent of the bibanja holders (land tenants). They claimed that the transaction was fraudulent, which fueled anger and distrust in the community.
The situation grew more volatile when Nazziwa allegedly incited locals to prepare pangas (machetes) and target “Westerners” involved in the land dispute. She accused them of being agents of Natasha, the First Daughter, whom she alleged was behind the land sale. These inflammatory statements stirred tensions in the area and raised concerns of violence.
In response to the growing unrest, D/RDC Mwanjuzi called for an urgent meeting on December 11, 2024, to address the issue. The meeting, which was attended by landlords, local leaders, bibanja holders, and the LC I Chairman of Namutunku, Suuna, aimed to bring clarity to the situation and prevent further conflict.
Mwanjuzi explained, “I took the initiative to bring together the various stakeholders, including the landlords, local leaders, and bibanja holders, to address the concerns raised. It was important to ensure that everyone had a voice in this matter.”
Following the meeting, Mwanjuzi and her team conducted a follow-up visit to the disputed land on December 13, where they encountered heightened tensions. Residents were reportedly threatening violence in response to the ongoing allegations. To defuse the situation, security officers escorted Nazziwa Sylivia to the Maanyi Police Post for questioning. She was later released after cooperating with the authorities.
Local leaders have since expressed their appreciation for Mwanjuzi’s timely intervention. Suuna, the LC I Chairman of Namutunku, praised the Deputy RDC’s efforts, saying, “Since Nazziwa was taken to the police to record a statement, the security situation has greatly improved. We were on the brink of a larger crisis due to the incitement.”
Ssekibule, the LC III Chairman of Maanyi Sub-County, also commended the D/RDC for her role in managing the situation. He called on the community to remain calm and allow the ongoing investigations to proceed without interference.
The D/RDC emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through legal and peaceful means. “I urge the community to seek justice through the appropriate channels and avoid resorting to violence or tribalism,” Mwanjuzi stated. “Clear communication and cooperation are crucial in resolving conflicts peacefully.”
