Over 255 residents of Masindi Municipality have petitioned the Masindi District Council, protesting what they describe as unlawful land demarcation and eviction attempts by the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
The residents, mainly from Kigulya and Central Divisions, accuse the NFA of encroaching on their private land and homes without prior consultation or evidence of ownership. The petition was formally tabled during a council session yesterday.
Alex Ajuka, the LC II Chairperson of Kigulya Village, expressed frustration over the NFA’s actions, stating that officials abruptly began marking residential areas and claiming they fall within forest land.
“There are over 35 homes affected in Kigulya alone. Residents have valid land titles, yet NFA has no documentation proving ownership of the contested land,” Ajuka said.
Noman Muhammad, a resident of Nyangaya Village in Central Division, echoed similar concerns, noting that the land in question has been occupied by residents since before Uganda’s independence.
“This land was allocated to our grandparents by the kingdom. The forest boundaries have been known for years, and now NFA is coming in forcefully, without proper research or proof,” he argued.
Muhammad called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation before any further demarcation is carried out. “The NFA is using government authority without sufficient evidence. We urge transparency and fairness,” he added.
Goodman B. Faruku, the Nyangaya Division Councillor, presented the residents’ petition to the district council and emphasized the urgency of the matter.
“This is a serious issue affecting our people’s livelihood and homes. The council must address it as a matter of priority,” he said.
Masindi District Speaker, Kirya Moses, acknowledged the petition and assured the council that an ordinary session will be convened in June.
“We will invite NFA officials to appear before the council so that both parties can discuss and resolve the issue amicably,” Kirya said.
The residents are hoping for a fair hearing and immediate intervention to halt what they describe as unlawful evictions and land grabs by the NFA.