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Majambere and his alleged accomplices are accused of violently seizing a 300-acre farmland located on Block 75, Plot 2 in Gomba District
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RUKIGA - The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (A/RDC) of Rukiga District, Ivan Majambere, has been remanded to prison on allegations of land grabbing and cattle theft. He appeared today before Gomba Magistrates' Court where he denied the charges and was ordered to remain in custody until December 3, 2024. Majambere's arrest followed a joint investigation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The allegations
Majambere and his alleged accomplices are accused of violently seizing a 300-acre farmland located on Block 75, Plot 2 in Gomba District. The land, reportedly owned by Frank Rushanganwa since 2003, was allegedly taken over in August 2023. Prosecution, led by Resident State Attorney Arthur Masaba, further alleges that Majambere and his co-accused unlawfully stole 157 cows valued at UGX 318 million and transported them to an unknown location.
Majambere, however, claims he legally purchased part of the land in 2020 from his co-accused, Amos Mwesigye, who asserts he acquired the property in 2018 from unidentified sellers. Mwesigye, who was charged earlier on November 15, 2023, in Masaka Chief Magistrates’ Court, is currently on the run after being released on bail.
Majambere appeared today before Gomba Magistrates' Court where he denied the charges and was ordered to remain in custody until December 3, 2024
Eviction and recoveries
In March 2024, the court issued an eviction order against Majambere and his accomplices. Police have since recovered 101 of the stolen cows, although investigations into the case are ongoing.
Due to the incomplete investigation and Mwesigye’s fugitive status, Magistrate Pauline Sabakaki denied Majambere’s bail and issued a warrant of arrest for Mwesigye.
Controversial past
Majambere, a known National Resistance Movement (NRM) political activist, gained notoriety in October 2022 during the burial of Suleiman Jakana Nadduli, the son of former minister Abdul Nadduli, in Nakaseke District. Violence broke out when National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters clashed with attendees, and Majambere was assaulted after attempting to stop them from politicizing the funeral.
Former Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga condemned the violence, noting that Majambere was attacked with chairs and blunt objects before being rescued by sympathizers. Several video clips of the assault were later retrieved by authorities. In April 2024, Majambere was appointed A/RDC of Rukiga District after raising complaints about being sidelined by the NRM party.
Ongoing legal battles
As investigations into the theft and land grabbing allegations continue, Majambere remains in custody, awaiting further court proceedings. The case highlights growing concerns over land disputes and corruption among public officials in Uganda.
Torch Media Africa
