One Dead, One Injured in Wakiso Land Dispute as Police Open Fire

Tragedy struck in Kataluko Village, Lukwanga, Wakiso District on Thursday when a land dispute escalated into violence, leaving one resident dead and another injured. The deceased, identified as 40-year-old bricklayer Joseph Ssenyondo, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet fired by police officers.

Police had been deployed to the area to arrest an individual accused of assault in connection with a land conflict. However, a group of agitated residents attempted to intervene and prevent the arrest. Eyewitness accounts suggest that in an effort to control the situation, police fired three shots, one of which fatally struck Ssenyondo while he was passing by the scene. Another bullet injured Jacob Nsubuga Wasswa, who is currently receiving treatment.

The circumstances surrounding the land dispute involve allegations of unscrupulous dealings by a land dealer, Mr. Ssebanakitta, who claims the property was sold and the buyer was assaulted and robbed. He reported the incident to the police, leading to the attempted arrest.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Ms. Racheal Kawala, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation has been launched. She explained that officers fired shots to disperse an unruly crowd that confronted them. Ms. Kawala acknowledged that a bullet accidentally hit a resident during the dispersal and assured that the involved officer would be apprehended as the investigation progresses.

This incident highlights the persistent issue of land-related conflicts and violence in Wakiso and other parts of Uganda, with past incidents involving fatalities and accusations of collusion between authorities and land grabbers.

Read more here: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/one-killed-another-injured-as-residents-resist-arrest-over-disputed-wakiso-land-5599370