Remanded: Ivan Majembere
Ivan Kamuntu Semakula Majambere, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rukiga District, has been arraigned before the Gomba Magistrates’ Court on allegations of land grabbing, conspiracy to defraud, stealing cattle, and criminal trespass.
His case, handled by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) in collaboration with the Uganda Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), highlights a long history of controversial dealings.
The charges stem from an incident in August 2023, where Majambere, alongside accomplices who remain at large, violently seized a 300-acre farmland (Block 75, Plot 2) in Gomba District.
The land belongs to 75-year-old Frank Rushanganwa, who has held a certificate of title since 2003. During the seizure, Majambere and his group allegedly stole 157 cows valued at UGX 318 million, transporting them to an unknown location.
Majambere claims to have purchased part of the land from his co-accused, Amos Mwesigye, in 2020.
However, Mwesigye, who asserts he acquired the entire property in 2018, has failed to produce proof of ownership.
To further complicate matters, the duo reportedly sold portions of the land to unsuspecting individuals to consolidate their illegal occupation.
In March 2024, the court issued an eviction order against Mwesigye. Despite this, Majambere and his associates continued to threaten the rightful owner, Mzee Rushanganwa. This defiance led to the intervention of SH-ACU, culminating in Majambere’s arrest.
Majambere has been remanded until December 3, 2024, as investigations continue.
This arrest comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Majambere’s controversial past, including his alleged involvement in other land-grabbing schemes and his attack by a mob at a burial in October 2024 in Nakaseke District.
Majembere said the charges against him are politically motivated and asked President Museveni to intervene in the matter.
Land grabbing continues to plague Uganda, with reports indicating that between 4% and 8% of the country’s land is affected by illegal acquisitions. Vulnerable communities, especially in central regions, bear the brunt of this crisis as they are often displaced without compensation.
