Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba has directed the arrest of four Iganga-based businessmen for allegedly encroaching on government land housing Nakalama Sub-county headquarters and a seed school in Nakalama Village.
The accused individuals are Hamdan Nkobe, Said Baga, Deo Wakabi, and Muhammad Swaga. The contested land, measuring 35 acres, has sparked a dispute, with Nakalama Sub-county LC3 chairman Hamidu Kawanguzi accusing technocrats and politicians in Iganga District of aiding the accused in obtaining land titles.
Minister Nabakooba, informed by area leaders’ complaints, has instructed the retrieval of all documents related to the land from the suspects. She emphasized the need for thorough investigations and police statements from the accused, questioning their acquisition of public land.
The minister has tasked the Iganga Resident District Commissioner to collaborate with the police in retrieving documents from other suspected land grabbers and conducting comprehensive inquiries before a scheduled public hearing on March 11.
Nabakooba cautioned against the sale of government properties by leaders and officials, warning of legal consequences. She emphasized the significance of the contested land, housing a long-standing school and sub-county headquarters.
Hajj Nkobe, one of the suspects, contends that the land belonged to his deceased father and not the sub-county, challenging the sub-county’s claim of ownership. Despite legal efforts to resolve the dispute, including a failed court case, Nkobe maintains his stance, asserting his family’s ownership of the land.
