A land dispute has erupted in the village of Maya, Mabindo sub-county, Sembabule District, involving former district chairperson , Emmanuel Ssekimpi.
He is accused of unlawfully acquiring land belonging to the family of the late Gabudire Kasule.
The Kasule family claims that Ssekimpi illegally seized their ancestral land during his time in a leadership position, and they have now taken their grievance to the RDC’s office in Sembabule, seeking intervention.
The family members, led by Bernard Kibirige and Shafiq Kajjimu, accuses Ssekimpi of refusing to return the land, which he acquired through deceptive means.
According to the family, Ssekimpi has vowed never to return the land, arguing that doing so would create animosity between him and the family.
This defiance has escalated tensions in the village, with the Kasule family now appealing to government authorities to intervene in what they describe as a long-standing injustice.
The disputed land, measuring approximately 9 acres, is said to have been sold to Ssekimpi in 2010.
Initially, it was sold by a land dealer, Wilson Busulwa, before being passed on to Joseph Lubega, who later sold it to Salongo Kasibante.
Kasibante has since developed the land by planting coffee. However, the Kasule family maintains that the land rightfully belongs to them and was acquired without their consent.
Local leaders, including Marceline Nakato, Charles Byarugaba, and Mabindo LC2 chairperson Kerevazio Birimuye, have condemned Ssekimpi for evading accountability.
They accuse him of dodging inquiries whenever summoned to explain his acquisition of the land.
Despite several attempts to mediate the issue, Ssekimpi has allegedly been uncooperative, fueling further discontent among the affected family and local leaders.
“Ssekimpi Emmanuel is known for land grabbing, especially during his tenure as a leader in the district. He exploited his position to amass land, and we are calling on the authorities to investigate this matter and ensure justice for the Kasule family,” said Mabindo sub-county chairperson, John Mwesigwa.
District councillor Simon echoed similar sentiments, urging higher authorities to step in and resolve the dispute.
Ssekimpi, who was once the Sembabule District Chairperson in 1999 and a secretary in the Mawogola county council, has since retired from active service .
He has, however, been linked to several controversial land transactions during his leadership.
When contacted for comment, Ssekimpi denied the allegations and instead pointed fingers at Faizal Sseruwagi, the deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Sembabule, suggesting that he was behind the land dispute. Ssekimpi claimed that Sseruwagi had personal interests in the case, but declined to provide further details.
In response, Deputy RDC Faizal Sseruwagi stated that if Ssekimpi is found guilty of illegally acquiring the land, he would face legal action.
“We will not tolerate any form of land grabbing in this district. If the title was obtained through fraudulent means, it will be revoked, and the rightful owners will be compensated,” Sseruwagi said.
As investigations continue, the Kasule family remains hopeful that justice will prevail, and they will regain their ancestral land.
