Anger erupted in Karengyere Trading Center on Thursday afternoon as residents accused Rubanda District Woman MP, Hon. Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, of illegally acquiring government land.

The land in question is situated in Karengyeri Trading Center, Karengyeri Parish, Muko Sub-county, Rubanda District.

The allegations came to light during a meeting organized by Rubanda Chief Administrative Officer Alex Kwizera at the disputed land site.

Akampurira, represented by her uncle-in-law, claimed rightful ownership of the small parcel of land, stating that it had been in her family for generations. However, residents and authorities vehemently disputed this claim.

Erisa Bunyenyezi, an 85-year-old resident who has lived in the area for many years, stated, “This land was previously utilized by the Ministry of Works. I worked here for 17 years and I am well aware of its boundaries.”

He accused the MP of manipulating the boundaries to expand her land holdings. Haruna Mutabazi, another resident residing on the contested land, echoed Bunyenyezi’s sentiments.

“They fenced off their entire property, but when they decided to encroach upon government land, they dismantled their fence and rebuilt it, now incorporating the government land. This is disgraceful, especially considering they are my relatives,” he expressed.

Muko Sub-county Chief Rebecca Kehooda made serious allegations against certain unidentified leaders, claiming that they had tampered with the boundaries of public land. Kehooda, who also serves as the secretary for the Muko Subcounty Land Committee, asserted that the current state of the land significantly deviates from what she inspected on April 19, 2023.

She specifically pointed fingers at the commissioner’s family, accusing them of encroaching upon government land by altering the boundaries. Rebecca Kehooda further expressed astonishment at the area chairperson’s change of stance.

“The chairperson was well acquainted with the boundaries and even condemned the MP’s actions during a previous inspection. I possess photographic evidence and documented records to substantiate my claims,” she asserted.

The dispute arose when the district attempted to proceed with a land development project on the contested land.

The occurrence of this event has ignited a strong reaction from the public and has given rise to worries regarding possible appropriation of land by government authorities. The ongoing disagreement is pending further examination and a conclusive settlement.