The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kayunga, Trevor Solomon Baleke, has stepped in to resolve a long-standing land dispute involving Munaaba Irene, a 50-year-old widow, and her neighbors who had encroached on her land.
Munaaba, the widow of the late Zimboneredde Emmanuel and a resident of Gaaza village in Kayunga Sub-county, has faced difficulties since her husband’s death in 2016.
Her neighbors, including one Dodovico Wandera, allegedly moved boundary markers and blocked access to her home, leaving her in a prolonged battle over the land she had lived on for years.
Seeking justice, Munaaba initially petitioned the Local Council III court, which ruled in her favor, directing the Local Council I (LCI) chairperson to oversee the re-establishment of the original boundary markers. However, despite the court’s ruling, the process of reinstating her rightful boundaries failed to materialize.
Determined to regain control of her land, Munaaba took her case to the office of the RDC. It was here that Baleke organized a meeting at the site of the disputed land.
During the meeting at which the Deputy RDC was flanked by his two Assistant RDCs, Daphne Asasira and Khalid Bikongolo, it was discovered and confirmed that the contested property rightfully belonged to Munaaba Irene.
Following this discovery, Baleke issued a directive to Local Council chairperson, Mukalazi Patrick to immediately demarcate the land and reinstate the boundary markers in accordance with the court’s ruling. He also warned that any further trespassing on Munaaba’s land would lead to the arrest of the offenders.
Baleke condemned the actions of those attempting to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, especially widows, orphans, and other marginalized groups.
“It is unacceptable to oppress the less privileged in our society. We will not tolerate such behavior,” Baleke stated firmly.
The Deputy RDC’s intervention and decision have been met with widespread praise from the community, which had long sympathized with Munaaba’s plight. Many residents lauded the RDC’s office for ensuring justice for the widow and reaffirming the rights of vulnerable members of the community.
This case highlights the growing issue of land disputes in Uganda, particularly for women and widows, who often face challenges in securing their rights to property after the loss of a spouse.
With the decisive action taken by Baleke and his team, Munaaba Irene now looks forward to a future where she can live peacefully on her land without fear of encroachment.
The RDC’s office has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of the vulnerable and ensuring that justice is served in land-related cases, a stance that has been welcomed by many in the district.
“We are putting a cap on the grabbing of property from the vulnerable. Everyone matters,” said Baleke.
