Nubian And Kibyama Community Petitions Speaker: Controversy Surrounds Allocation of Ranch 11 to Muhanzi Heritage Limited

By Kundu Ronald

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the Nubian Community and the Kibyama communities in Uganda, the allocation of Ranch 11 to Muhanzi Heritage Limited has raised significant concerns and allegations of land misallocation. The Nubian community, in particular, has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, demanding transparency and justice in a situation that threatens their rights and well-being.

The controversy began when Muhanzi Heritage Limited was granted Ranch 11, a piece of land that was originally earmarked for the resettlement of the Nubian and Kibyama communities. Government and parliamentary allocations totaling UGX 200,000,000/= had been designated for this purpose. However, the circumstances surrounding the allocation have given rise to questions about its legitimacy.

Adding fuel to the fire, another group led by Musa Faraj attempted to stake a claim on the land by forming a parallel communal land association, but their efforts were thwarted by the Masindi Zonal Office. This has further fueled doubts about the fairness of the allocation process and the protection of the rights of historically marginalized communities.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding a request made by Mugoya Kyawa & Co Advocates to the Commissioner of Surveys and Mapping in January 2023, seeking the renewal of instructions to survey and open boundaries (IS) of Ranch 11. This request appeared to be in violation of the land's original allocation for the resettlement of the Nubian and Kibyama Communities.

The Nubian and Kibyama Communities have a long history of displacement, evictions, and struggles for their rightful land. These communities found refuge in the Bunyoro region after being forcibly relocated due to government actions. The promise of resettlement on Ranch 11 came as a directive from His Excellency the President of Uganda and the Ministry of Lands. However, various challenges have resulted in delays in the resettlement process, causing further hardship for these families.

In response to these concerns, the Nubian Community, with the support of the Kibyama communities, have made the following demands:

1. They urge the Uganda Land Commission to cancel the allocation of Ranch 11 to Muhanzi Heritage Limited, as the land was originally allocated for their resettlement by the government.

2. They request the Uganda Land Commission, as a government body, to support the government's initiative to expedite the resettlement of the Nubian and Kibyama communities on Ranch 11, in accordance with the directives of His Excellency the President of Uganda and the Ministry of Lands.

This controversy underscores the need for a transparent and just resolution to ensure the well-being of the Nubian and Kibyama communities and to restore faith in the land allocation process. The communities are eagerly awaiting swift action and resolution of these pressing concerns.