A heated disagreement unfolded between Nayebare Fred Kyamuzigita, the Resident District Commissioner of Rukiga, and Mary Kibahigire, accused of land grabbing and employing Congolese nationals armed with arrows threatening insecurity in Rukiga District.

The exchange of bitter words occurred during a security meeting to address concerns arising of suspected land grabbing issues in Nyabubare cell, Rwenyangyi Parish, Kamwezi Sub County in Rukiga District.

Kibahigire is accused by locals in the area of having encroached on approximately 60 acres of land and later destroyed their property such as gardens, tree plantations, farms, and houses, while also restricting access for rightful owners.

She is further accused of hiring refugees as casual laborers without local leaders’ consent causing insecurity in the area. Residents also accuse her of authorizing employees to evict and burn their land and failing to control her stray dogs, which have terrorized the community by attacking and killing domestic animals.

In her defense, Kibahigire expressed dissatisfaction with the local security’s failure to protect her despite alleged murder attempts by some community members.

She further asserted that her workers are legitimate, registered, and approved by the Prime Minister’s Office. She further claimed the right to rear dogs.

The exchange of bitter words escalated as the RDC advised Kibahigire not to interfere with security operations, emphasizing the governing laws. The RDC warned of potential arrests of Kibahigire’s workers if she continues undermining local leaders, intelligence personnel, and security efforts.

Major Martha Asiimwe, the Presidential Advisor on Resident District Commissioners, emphasized the enforcement of the Land Act to ensure residents get full access to their land. She called for an investigation to identify those responsible for burning people’s trees in the area.

By press time, authorities had embarked on the process to verify the identification details of Kibahigire’s workers.