The State House anti-corruption office has directed security authorities to arrest people accused of threatening to evict residents from 507 hectares of land in Rwenjeru, Mbarara City North Division.

The directive was issued by the Special Presidential Assistant on Anti-Corruption, Rebecca Atwiine, during a meeting with residents on Thursday. More than 150 families are reportedly affected by the dispute.

Atwiine said the land dispute has persisted for decades despite government intervention and a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to secure the residents’ tenure.

She said residents have occupied the land since 1962 but began facing eviction attempts in the 1990s from two people, Major Sunday Kiribata and John Rwakamunini, who claimed to be children of the former registered proprietor, Ruhikayo.

The affected residents subsequently appealed to President Museveni, prompting government to pay about Shs274 million to the claimants, Atwiine said.

She said the original land title was transferred to the Uganda Land Commission in 2014 after the payment was completed, with the commission expected to process titles for the residents.

However, more than a decade later, the residents are yet to receive individual land titles.

Atwiine said the delay has left residents vulnerable to fresh land disputes and threats of eviction, and called on government agencies responsible for land administration to expedite the titling process.

She also directed security authorities to take action against individuals who interfere with the residents’ occupation of the land.

The Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara, Catherine Kamwiine, urged the residents to remain calm and avoid confrontations as government works to resolve the dispute.

Kamwiine acknowledged government’s intervention in acquiring the land but said some residents continue to face land-related conflicts.

Mbarara City North Division Mayor Gumisiriza Kyabwisho welcomed the State House intervention and questioned why some individuals continue to lodge complaints with police and courts despite previous government directives on the land.

Kyabwisho said the land had been acquired and paid for by government and urged authorities to allow the residents to occupy it peacefully as the titling process is concluded.

The residents have appealed to President Museveni to follow up on the matter and ensure that the relevant authorities complete the titling process for the 507 hectares.