Security orders land conflict victims camped at Kasese RDC office to leave

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Kasese district security officials have ordered over 3,500 victims of land conflicts, who are encamped at the Resident District Commissioner's (RDC) office, to vacate the premises immediately. The group has been given until noon on August 20, 2025, to comply.

The order, issued by RDC Lt. Joe Walusimbi, targets individuals who have been camped at the office for nearly four months. They are protesting the government's failure to resolve longstanding land disputes. These conflicts stem primarily from the resettlement of the Basongora pastoralists in 2007, a community that originally lost its land during the creation of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the 1950s.

Speaking to New Vision Online on August 19 at his office in Kasese municipality, Walusimbi justified the directive, stating that the protest camp has created health and security risks for the entire urban area. He also said it has halted the implementation of several key projects planned for the site.

“There is no reason why they must stay here, yet the lands ministry promised to solve their issues within three months and a lot is being done to ensure that they are resettled as promised,” Walusimbi said.

He elaborated on the disruptions, noting, “These people have blocked the entrances to the Mayor's gardens, where my office is, and the municipal headquarters. Employees have retaliated by refusing to work in such a congested area. Furthermore, construction works on several projects have stalled, and we risk having the funds returned to the central government.”

Walusimbi has directed security teams to enforce the order, warning that anyone who fails to leave voluntarily will be removed by force. “There is no compromise because it is an order from our seniors,” he stated.

In response, camp residents have vowed to stay until their grievances are addressed. Martin Ofono, the vice-chairperson of the group, asserted that their protest has been peaceful and has not posed any health threats or involved tampering with public property.

“For the entire time we have been here, we have remained peaceful and have registered no health threat, nor have we tampered with anyone's properties,” Ofono said. “Even if it means dying, we will not vacate this place. All we want is to leave here when all our issues have been amicably resolved.”

Land conflicts in Kasese

A lot of land in the sub-counties of Kitswamba, Karusandara Nyakiyumbu, Nyakatonzi and Muhokya, as well as Kasese municipality divisions: Central and Nyamwamba, has been a source of conflict for years. These disputes have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries.

Speaking to New Vision Online on June 3, 2025, at Boma Grounds in Kasese municipality, Grace Biira, the chairperson of the Inter-Coalition of Land Victims, said the conflicts over these lands have persisted for over 17 years. She accused pastoralists of encroachment, leading to violent confrontations that allegedly often result in deaths and injuries.

Biira criticised the Government for resettling pastoralists without considering the interests of crop farmers. She called for clear boundary demarcation to establish rightful land ownership and prevent encroachment, including animals destroying crops. 

"Season in, season out, our crops are destroyed, and this is how we have become impoverished," she lamented.

She expressed disappointment with the district leadership, particularly the RDC’s office and top officials from the lands ministry, accusing them of failing to address the issue adequately and offering only empty promises each year. 

"Unfortunately, we have missed out on different government programmes, including the recent Parish Development Model (PDM), because we are considered landless," Biira added.