The government of Uganda, through the prime minister Robinah Nabbanja, has unveiled plans to compensate the widow of the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.
While addressing residents during the burial of an elderly resident in Kiyuni village, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja confirmed that President Museveni had directed the government to compensate Linda Nyakairima to allow displaced families to return to their land.
She said that Shs3 billion is slated to be paid in the current financial year as part of the phased compensation package, which will total Shs11 billion.
The land, which spans approximately five square miles, is situated in the villages of Kyerere North, Kyerere East, Kiyuni Central, Kiryajobyo West, and Kibanda in Igayaza Sub-County.
The dispute, which has been steaming since February 2022, began when more than 1,000 families residing on the land were forcefully evicted.
The eviction was enforced by over 30 soldiers who used graders and excavators to clear crops, including banana plantations, cassava, and maize, which led to widespread destruction of livelihoods.
The eviction process was accompanied by protests as local residents blocked roads with tree branches, logs, and stones, disrupting businesses in the area.
Leosam Sebalunzi, the LCIII Chairperson of Igayaza Sub-County, questioned the legitimacy of the Nyakairima family’s acquisition of the land, asking why local leaders were not involved in the process.
The land, originally registered to Matayo Kidimbo Mpanga in 1931, was allegedly sold by Gideon Kibirango to Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.
However, the sale was contested by Ibrahim Lumu, the grandson of Matayo Kidimbo Mpanga.
