Sikora Kokyenga, an 80-year-old woman from Rubanda district, finds herself entangled in a legal battle over a 25-acre land located in Kagunga village, Nyaruhanga parish, Ikumba sub-county. Kokyenga recently lost the case to her nephew, Furugence Kanyamugara, after the ruling file granting her full rights mysteriously disappeared from the office of the Kabale High Court. 

Sikora Kokyenga, an 80-year-old woman from Rubanda district who had won the initial case against businessman Rozio Sebugwaho in 2005, had enlisted Kanyamugara as her witness after her biological brother, Deziderio Karasani, passed away. However, in 2016, Kanyamugara turned against her, leading to a legal battle in Kabale Chief Magistrates Court. Kokyenga's attempt to present the missing ruling as evidence proved futile, leaving her on the verge of eviction from her 25-acre land located in Kagunga village, Nyaruhanga parish, Ikumba sub-county.

A letter from Kabale High Court dated July 25, 2023, and signed by Assistant Registrar Henry Twinomuhwezi, revealed that the file might have gone missing during the court's relocation from Makanga Hill to Kikungiri Hill in February 2017. Despite Kokyenga's explanation, the then Kabale Chief Magistrate, Gordon Muhimbise, ruled in favour of Kanyamugara, ordering her eviction and a fine of five million shillings.

Several locals gave insights on what they know about this land saga.

Marriam Mwiza, Executive Director of Overseas Workers Voice Uganda, a human rights organization, suspects foul play. She alleges that the Kabale High Court might have influenced Kanyamugara to hide the ruling, obstructing Kokyenga's rightful claim to the land.

Mwiza also expressed concerns about the involvement of Beitwenda and Company Advocates, the same law firm that previously represented Kokyenga, in Kanyamugara's case, which violates legal regulations.

Dan Beitwenda, a lawyer from Beitwenda & Company Advocates denied having represented Kokyenga before in a case involving this land. He however explained how he knows Kokyenga and the case.

Ereemye Mawanda, the Judiciary Communications Officer, stated that it is against their policy to misplace files, assuring that efforts are underway to investigate the matter. While addressing queries about the absence of online access to rulings in Kabale, Mawanda explained that the online system is currently limited to certain regions, excluding Kabale.

Kokyenga, fearing imminent eviction, pleads for government intervention and urges the Kabale High Court to expedite efforts in locating the missing file. As legal battles and suspicions intensify, the elderly woman's future hangs in uncertainty, awaiting justice and the restoration of her rightful ownership.