MUKONO
Two men described by investigators as notorious land grabbers have been remanded to prison after being arraigned before the Mukono Chief Magistrate's Court on multiple charges related to the alleged forceful eviction of occupants from a disputed piece of land in Mukono District.
The suspects, Kayongo Bonniface and Kiseka Hamuza, were jointly charged following investigations conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
They face charges of malicious damage to property, destroying growing plants, forcible entry, and forcible detainer.
According to the prosecution, the offences were allegedly committed between October and November 2025 in Luwunga Village, Nama Sub-county, Mukono District.
Court heard that the accused, together with others still at large, allegedly forcefully entered land comprised in Block 167, Plot 81, Kyaggwe, measuring approximately 311 acres. The land is registered in the name of Stella Kiwanuka, the administrator of the estate of the late Joseph Musanze Kiwanuka.
Prosecutors allege that during the unlawful eviction, the suspects stole several items, including four metallic water tanks and water pumping machines, and caused extensive damage to four houses on the property.
The accused are also alleged to have uprooted and destroyed crops, including maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, banana plantations, and eucalyptus trees, with the total value of the damaged property estimated at about UGX 1 billion.
The court remanded the two suspects until June 22, 2026, as investigations into the case continue.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest other suspects believed to have participated in the alleged land-grabbing scheme.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has reiterated its commitment to combating illegal land evictions and ensuring that those involved in land-related crimes are brought to justice.
