Crime
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has arraigned Majambere Kamuntu Semakula Ivan, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Rukiga District, before the Gomba Magistrates’ Court. He faces multiple charges, including Conspiracy to Defraud, Stealing Cattle, and Criminal Trespass.
The allegations stem from a land dispute in Gomba District, where Majambere and his accomplices are accused of violently seizing a 300-acre farmland (Block 75, Plot 2) in August 2023. The land, located in Kabulasoke Sub-County, belongs to Frank Rushanganwa, a prominent farmer and businessman who has held a registered certificate of title since 2003.
According to court documents, the group forcefully evicted workers from the farmland and stole 157 cows valued at UGX 318 million, relocating the livestock to an unknown destination. Residents reported the incident, prompting investigations. Majambere alleges he purchased part of the land in 2020 from his co-accused, Mwesigye, who claimed he had bought the entire property in 2018 from undisclosed sellers. However, the validity of these transactions is under scrutiny, as Rushanganwa’s title remains uncontested.
Further complicating the case, the accused allegedly recruited individuals to occupy portions of the land, falsely convincing them they were legitimate buyers. These activities disrupted local farming operations and caused unrest in the community.
In March 2024, the Gomba Magistrates’ Court issued an eviction order against Majambere and his accomplices, directing them to vacate the land immediately. Despite this, enforcement has been met with challenges, with only 101 of the stolen cows recovered by police so far.
The case has drawn significant public attention, especially given Majambere’s position as a Deputy RCC, a role tasked with upholding law and order. His remand until December 3, 2024, underscores the government’s stance against corruption and abuse of office, particularly in land-related matters, which have become a frequent source of conflict in Uganda.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on land fraud, as authorities seek to address the increasing number of disputes fueled by fraudulent transactions, illegal evictions, and exploitation of vulnerable landowners. The ongoing investigation aims to bring all those involved to justice and restore the stolen property to its rightful owner.
