Residents of Katanga in Wandegeya have accused controversial city pastor Daniel Walugembe of subjecting them to prolonged harassment through court cases over ownership of bibanja on Katanga land.
During a meeting chaired by local leaders, led by Bonny M. Kasujja, residents appealed to Kawempe Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lukka Kagenyi for government intervention.
They said they are living in fear, with some residents reportedly on the run while others face criminal charges in various courts of law.
Among those charged are 69-year-old city dentist Dr. Lule Ntwatwa Ssekiziyivu, who is jointly charged with Stuart Kateregga at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court over multiple counts stemming from the kibanja dispute. Others include Moses Besimira, who is charged at the Law Development Centre (LDC) Court; businessman Richard Kigozi; and elder Hassan Ssegawa, who are both facing charges before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kanyanya, Kawempe Division.
Residents allege that Pastor Walugembe is working in collusion with associates, including Darius Mutesa, also known as “Muzungu,” and a woman identified as Maama Eva.
Salim Kato Kiyingi, secretary for Kimwanyi Zone, asked the RCC to intervene and help remove the individuals, particularly Maama Eva and Mutesa, whom he described as a threat to the community.
Buganda Kingdom local chief Milly Namubiru also criticized what she described as collaboration between the pastor and some local leaders, which she said has led to the mistreatment of Kabaka’s subjects who claim to be rightful bibanja owners.
Namubiru urged the RCC to summon Pastor Walugembe to meet residents and clearly demarcate the boundaries of the 28 acres of land he claims in Katanga Valley, noting concerns that his claim may overlap with other people’s plots.
During the meeting, residents resolved that the RCC should organize a general assembly to allow direct engagement with Pastor Walugembe and provide him an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
RCC Kagenyi, who oversees security in the division, agreed to summon the pastor and called on residents to remain calm.
“When I came to Kawempe, one of my priorities was to address the Katanga land question. This can only be resolved peacefully. I urge you all to maintain peace,” Kagenyi said.
He promised to invite Pastor Walugembe for a dialogue aimed at restoring harmony in the area.
The Katanga land dispute dates back more than two decades, when a family of four sued Makerere University and the Commissioner for Land Registration, culminating in a 2015 court judgment.
According to area elder Kasujja, the ruling recognized bibanja holders as bona fide occupants of the land.
“We know the land belongs to Makerere University, but it is surprising that one individual is claiming ownership of the entire area. This is painful for those of us with small plots. If his claim is legitimate, he should present clear boundaries instead of taking people to court without justification,” Kasujja said.
Pastor Walugembe was neither present nor represented at the meeting. His alleged associates, Mutesa and Maama Eva, were reportedly seen leaving the venue as residents demanded their immediate arrest.
