The police have conducted evictions at Kikoiro village in Lwampanga Sub-County, Nakasongola District, targeting thousands of illegal settlers. The evictees reportedly belong to the Mpokya group under the Kitara Resettlement Association Ltd, led by Milton Twehangane.
This action follows an influx of individuals whose arrival raises questions about the legitimacy of their settlement. In a police statement, it’s reported that the Territorial Police in Nakasongola District initiated a General Enquiry File (GEF) concerning an unidentified group originating from Kakumiro, Kibale, Sembabule, Bunyangabo, Kikube, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Buhweju, Kagadi, Kabarole districts among others.
The influx allegedly began on December 15th, 2023, with people arriving to settle in Kikoiro village. Reportedly, in 1992, the Government of Uganda evicted people who had settled in the Mpokya Forest Reserve. At that time, around 31,000 people, predominantly Bakiga natives, were affected.
Following the eviction, the displaced were temporarily relocated to Rwimi Prisons Government land. Eventually, the government managed to resettle about 7,000 people, but over 24,000 remained unallocated. They dispersed and settled in various districts of their preference.
According to Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional police spokesperson, the affected group, under Twehangane’s leadership, convened meetings to form the Kitara Resettlement Association of Mpokya Limited. Members were registered, raised funds, and opted to buy land, independent of any government program.
The statement notes that Twehangane purchased 53 acres of land in Kikoiro village from Banunu Godfrey. After acquiring the land, Twehangane began relocating former evictees from different districts, initiating a mass migration on December 15th, 2023, using trucks and taxis without official clearance from the government or local authorities.
The police highlighted the absence of housing structures and basic amenities to accommodate the large influx of people. Upon receiving this information, the police and local authorities promptly intervened, conducting an urgent meeting and deciding to send the group back while continuing their investigation.
URN.