Five individuals have been arrested for willful damage for allegedly felling an acre of banana plantation owned by a 90-year-old man in Nyakitabire Cell, Rwenyangi Parish, Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District.

According to Kigezi regional police spokesperson, Mr Elly Maate, the suspects shot down the plantation on Friday evening and were apprehended on Saturday morning.

“It is alleged that a group of unknown individuals descended on the banana plantation of Mr. Vereliano Kibahigire Kambamu, which is looked after by his daughter, Mrs. Mary Kihembo Kibahigire, and felled 146 banana trees. On Saturday morning around 7:30 a.m., workers patrolling the area discovered the destroyed plantation and immediately informed the estate owners, who reported the incident to the Kamwezi police station. Police officers attended the scene and were later joined by colleagues from the Rukiga district central police station to document the crime,” Mr Maate said.

He added that after taking statements from the workers, five suspects were arrested to assist in the investigation. A community meeting between local residents and the district security team is planned for Monday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m. to raise awareness of the dangers of lawlessness and the legal implications.

The incident is part of an ongoing land dispute involving the Kibahigire Kambamu family and some members of the community, which has persisted since 2020 and has led to several unresolved court cases.

On March 11 this year, the Land Protection Police Unit Commander, Mr. Johnson Olal Dale, issued a notice summoning 16 families from Nyamabare village to appear in court on March 14 over the alleged fraudulent procurement of certificates freehold for land in block 44., Plots 159 and 161, belonging to Mr. Veleriano Kibahigire Kambamu.

The Kabale High Court has since issued an interim order restraining Mr Olal and the Attorney General from acting on a border opening investigation report dated February 9, relating to disputed land in Kamwezi sub-county until the main query is resolved.

On February 7, Mr. Kambamu’s family asked President Museveni to intervene in the matter, alleging that the then Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Fred Nayebare, was complicit in fraudulent acts aimed at grabbing their land titled measuring 18.4340 hectares, located at FRV HQT 1260. , Folio 6, Block 44, Plot 159, Nyamabaare Cell, Rwenyangi Parish, Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District.