Police in Kassanda District have launched a manhunt for four suspects accused of carrying out a violent arson attack following a long-standing land dispute in Bakule Cell, Bukuya Town Council.
The incident, which occurred on May 28, 2026, stemmed from a disputed kibanja ownership case that is currently before court. The disputes involves Eunice Nalubwama and Lauben Byamukama.
According to preliminary police findings, at around 7:00 a.m., Nalubwama reportedly sent five casual labourers to cultivate the contested piece of land, which is also claimed by Byamukama.
Trouble allegedly erupted at about 10:00 a.m. when Byamukama visited the land and found the workers digging. He is said to have later returned with four other men armed with pangas and sticks before launching an attack on the labourers.
A violent confrontation followed, forcing Nalubwama’s workers to flee for safety after being overpowered. The attackers allegedly chased them to their homes and set the houses on fire.
The blaze reduced all household property belonging to the victims, identified as Ssemuli Moses and Nganda Meddy, to ashes.
Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi confirmed the incident, saying officers from Bukuya Police Station responded to the scene, documented the destruction, and recorded statements from victims and witnesses.
Police identified the suspects as Lauben Byamukama, Sekyanzi Khalid, Muyanja, and Daniel, who reportedly fled the area immediately after the attack and are currently on the run.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
SSP Kigozi strongly condemned the violence and urged members of the public to seek lawful means of resolving land conflicts instead of resorting to mob justice and criminal acts.
“The public is advised to avoid acts of lawlessness and mob justice in matters concerning land conflicts. Government offices, including those of the Resident District Commissioners, are available to handle such disputes peacefully,” Kigozi said.
