By Enos Maereka,
The land dispute between Kyabatukura farmers and Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kitswamba sub-county Kasese District may soon be history after a consultative meeting between, Kyabatukura farmers, UWA Executive Director and Office of the president.
The three entities held the meeting on 20th. March .2024 in Kampala and agreed to harmonize the land conflict which has taken two decades with a court case, which has as well taken over ten years since 2009.
According to the minutes signed by Sam Mwandha, Executive Director UWA, Mr.Ojula Robert, representing Presidents office, Kiiza Luke, chairperson Kyabatukura farmers and Counsel Nerima perepetua, that we obtained a copy, resolved, that the boundary opening be done under the guidance of the ministry of lands, that if office of the president can facilitate the boundary opening then it can be done as soon as possible, Ministry of Disaster preparedness and prison authorities in Ibuga should be brought on board during the boundary opening.
That once this boundary is opened, then the ongoing court case ceases to be.
Speaking to Kasese Guide Radio on Thursday, after attending High court session where the farmer’s lawyer presented the minutes to the presiding Judge, Mr. Luke Kiiza, hailed High court in Fort portal for allowing the case be settled out of court, but court directed the two parties to report back on 07.06.2024. about the progress.
Mr. Luke Kiiza speaking…
According to Kiiza, a total of 428 families consisting of about 5,000 persons were in 2001 evicted from Kyabatukura village after UWA claimed that the area was inside the boundaries of Kibaale National Park. END.