More than 20,000 residents in Fort Portal City, including those in Butangwa and Kitembe, are living in fear of eviction after news of land gazetting surfaced during a community stakeholders’ meeting in Kitembe Village.
Nyakairu Ibrahim, LC1 Chairperson of Butangwa Cell, said the community had not been consulted, sparking anxiety among affected families. LC1 chairperson Zabukombe Patrick of Rwengoma B1 revealed they were promised a meeting with the Resident City Commissioner, Mr. Bayole Stanley, who never showed up.
Residents like Mugume Brian say their lives have been disrupted socially and economically, noting that even schools are within the gazetted areas. Kyomuhendo Atom called on residents to defend their land rights.
Area councilor Elizabeth Kengonzi stated that a peaceful demonstration is being organized to push for government intervention and prevent what could become a major crisis.
The office of the Resident City Commissioner has yet to release a statement on the issue.