MP Mwijukye Thumped – Land Grabbing Ambitions Foiled: Eyewitnesses Narrate How He Always Incites Church Congregants to Dispossess Family

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A tumultuous clash erupted in Buhweju District on Sunday afternoon, stirring accusations of land grabbing in the tranquil village of Omuhambo, Kyakatungu, Rwanyamabare.

The dispute, revolving around ancestral land, set workers against church congregants, with Hon. Francis Mwijukye, a Member of Parliament, squarely in the midst of the turmoil.Mwijukye, engaged in the scuffle, sustained minor injuries along with other lesser-known individuals and has since been hospitalized in Mbarara municipality.

An eyewitness revealed that the family of the late G.W. Burimbale has been the custodian of the contested land for generations, having developed it with a coffee plantation and other ventures.The conflict ignited during a routine church service when Mwijukye allegedly rallied the congregation, accusing the family of attempting to seize church land.

“Truth is, the family has inherited the land for over years. During the fall of the UPC regime, this same family suffered losses when grabbers cut down everything including cattle, food, houses while targeting the land. The family remained resilient,” a witness said.

The family, however, claims longstanding ownership of the land, even ceding a portion to the Catholic church for a temporary church while planning to erect a permanent one on their acquired land.Instead of facilitating a peaceful resolution, MP Mwijukye purportedly incited congregants to forcefully assert ownership, exacerbating tensions.

The Burimbale family, tracing their lineage back centuries, presents a compelling case for their land rights, citing a history of legal disputes and broken agreements with the church.Despite holding a valid title since 1997, they allege persistent harassment and intimidation from individuals associated with the church.

Frank Benon Ndebesa Kamugisha, the heir of G.W. Burimbale, resides on the disputed land and has sought diplomatic channels to resolve the standoff.However, tensions escalated when Mwijukye allegedly mobilized congregants to disrupt construction activities on the site, resulting in minor injuries to both parties and intervention from law enforcement.

The Burimbale family condemns Mwijukye’s alleged role in instigating discord, accusing him of exploiting religious sentiment for personal gain and flouting legal processes.Calls for a thorough investigation reverberate throughout the community, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.

Amidst simmering tensions, local authorities are urged to prioritize dialogue and adherence to legal frameworks to defuse the volatile situation and safeguard landowners’ rights.

The clash in Buhweju District underscores the complexities of land ownership disputes and underscores the importance of resolving grievances peacefully and lawfully.

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