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The High Court in Kampala has issued a directive for the Uganda Land Commission (ULC) to compensate the family of the late Sir Apollo Kaggwa for the fraudulent and illegal subdivision of their 14.31-acre land in Munyonyo. Land Division Judge Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya delivered this decision on Thursday.

In 2014, Solomon Luwalala, David Muyise, and Apollo Wasswa Basudde filed a lawsuit against ULC, seeking orders and declarations that the property in Block 255, plot 98, and 97 Kyandondo belonged to the late Sir Apollo Kaggwa. They also requested the cancellation of all transfers, plots subdivided from the land, and associated titles.

The court heard that the applicants are beneficiaries of Sir Apollo Kaggwa, who passed away in 1927. He owned several properties, including the disputed land leased by ULC to the Registered Trustees of Kampala and private developers on a 99-year lease.

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The applicants argued that the land, according to a microfilm report from the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, was in the deceased’s ownership as of July 5th, 2013. However, it was later discovered that it was converted from MRV 243 Folio 23 and subdivided into plots 97 and 98 of Block 255, then registered in ULC’s name. The land has also been affected by the construction of the Entebbe Expressway.

The Administrator General took out letters of administration over the estate on May 28th, 2012, and on May 21st, 2014, powers of attorney were granted to the plaintiffs. They asked the court to declare ULC’s alleged fraudulent acts of subdividing and registering the land as illegal.

In its defense, ULC contended that the applicants had no cause of action, having lawfully obtained registration of the property. They argued that multiple transactions had occurred concerning the land, not reflected in the microfilm report.

During the hearing, ULC did not appear, and when written submissions were requested, only the applicants submitted theirs.

Justice Nkonge ruled that the disputed land rightfully belonged to the estate of the late Sir Apollo Kaggwa, making ULC a trespasser, and thus, the transactions on the land were deemed illegal.

While the court did not cancel the titles of third parties involved in the transactions, Justice Nkonge ordered compensation for the suit land. The amount will be assessed by the Chief Government Valuer and must be paid within 60 days following the assessment report. The judge also awarded costs of the case to the family.

In a pivotal interview on Xavier Radio Online, expertly hosted by Male Deogratius, human rights champion Clinton Mirrors delivered a stirring message concerning the dire state of human rights and political affairs in Uganda. He called on his fellow Ugandans to pay close attention and prepare for the winds of change.

1. Confronting the Museveni Regime: Clinton Mirrors did not mince words as he cautioned the people of Uganda against turning a blind eye to the Museveni regime. He sounded the alarm on complacency, urging citizens to critically scrutinize the government’s actions and intentions.
2. The Erosion of Credibility within the Uganda Human Rights Commission: In a striking declaration, Clinton Mirrors contended that the Uganda Human Rights Commission has lost its credibility. He asserted that the Commission operates under the direct influence of President Yoweri Museveni, rendering it incapable of delivering justice to Ugandans.
3. Worries About Exiled Political Activists: Mirrors shed light on the plight of political activists who have been compelled to flee Uganda, not by choice, but out of fear for their lives. He brought to the forefront the challenging circumstances faced by those courageous enough to speak out against the current regime.
4. A Vision for Uganda Under Robert Kyaguranyi: Embracing a forward-looking perspective, Clinton Mirrors painted a vivid picture of what Uganda could become under the leadership of His Excellency Robert Kyaguranyi. He underscored the importance of youth and intelligence in a country where 78 percent of the population is between the ages of 16 and 35, emphasizing the need for leaders who resonate with their aspirations.
5. Refuting Allegations Against NUP Supporters: Mirrors vehemently rejected the allegations circulating about National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters being unruly or violent. He pointed to these claims as part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the NUP.

In conclusion, Clinton Mirrors urged his fellow countrymen and women to prepare for the uncertain future. His interview served as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding leadership succession and human rights in Uganda, emphasizing the need for transparency and inclusivity in the governance system. As Uganda navigates its path forward, the words of dedicated activists like Clinton Mirrors will undoubtedly resonate with those who aspire to a brighter and more equitable future.

In an interview, David Lewis Rubongoya, the Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has claimed that the government is employing arrests, detentions, and abductions to quell opposition activities. He cited over 100 of their supporters who are either in illegal detentions, were abducted, or remain in prison for their opposition to the government. Rubongoya, who was recently arrested and released, discussed his experience and concerns about the continued human rights violations in Uganda.

Rubongoya described the violence used during arrests and the overcrowding in vehicles, highlighting the poor conditions detainees face. He also emphasized that the violence employed by security forces is done to please their superiors.

He further expressed his disappointment with security personnel, describing them as “robots” following orders without considering the consequences of their actions. Rubongoya stressed that while he understands they operate under orders, he holds them responsible for the violence they inflict during arrests.

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Regarding the detainees’ situation, he mentioned the uncertainty they face, including fears of prolonged detention and the impact on their families, especially in an economy where people live hand to mouth.

Rubongoya highlighted the distinction between those arrested and those abducted, with the latter group facing even greater uncertainty. He mentioned court orders issued for habeas corpus and the challenges in implementing them. He stressed that arrests and abductions are used to spread fear, compromise detainees, and portray a repressive image of power.

He discussed the stringent verification process used to identify genuine NUP supporters who have been arrested or abducted, mentioning instances of impostors sent by the regime to deceive them.

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Rubongoya acknowledged that while some supporters may return more resolute after their arrest, others may be subdued due to the torture and horrors of prison. The NUP offers counseling services to help them overcome trauma.

Regarding parliamentary debates on human rights violations, Rubongoya commended the opposition’s walkout and emphasized the importance of their stand, even if expectations from the parliament are limited. He believes the parliamentary action draws attention to the issue and amplifies it both locally and internationally.

In a significant verdict, the High Court in Iganga has handed down a 52-year prison sentence to a man found guilty of committing the gruesome murder of a five-year-old boy as part of a ritual sacrifice.

Justice David Batema presided over the case, and the accused, Hassan Kafudde, was given a lengthy imprisonment term. Additionally, Issa Muyita, the father of the deceased child, was sentenced to 25 years for his involvement in the killing of Juma Muyita, a five-year-old pupil at Mirembe Junior School in Kawempe in 2017.

Justice Batema, in his ruling, underscored the importance of the sentence as a deterrent to potential offenders who might contemplate such heinous acts.

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The verdict received applause from child rights advocates present in the courtroom, who commended the court for its decision.

The spokesperson for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jackline Okui, expressed satisfaction with the sentence and emphasized that it serves justice well. She further called on parents to refrain from resorting to sacrificing their own children in the pursuit of wealth, highlighting the prevalence of this vice in the Busoga sub-region.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) recently participated in supporting the upcoming Busoga Royal Wedding, aligning with various political parties, individuals, and corporate entities in donating funds for the ceremonial event.

A delegation from NUP, led by Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Deputy Opposition Chief Whip Manjeri Kyebakuttika, Deputy Party Spokesperson Alex Mufumbiro, and Busoga-based Comedian Swengere, made a courtesy visit to the home of Busoga Premier Dr. Joseph Muvawala. During the visit, they presented their financial contribution to the Premier.

Images circulating on social media captured the NUP team delivering an undisclosed amount of money contained in a brown envelope.

Subsequently, the NUP Principal shared the visit to the Kingdom Premier’s residence on his social media platform, emphasizing the handover of their donation towards the preparation for the imminent Royal Wedding of Busoga.

“On 18th November 2023, His Majesty Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV will walk Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi down the aisle, and I am honored to be among the several guests invited to attend their Royal celebration of Love,” Kyagulanyi posted on his social media account.

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The Busoga Royal Wedding has garnered substantial support from various stakeholders. Reportedly, a contribution of over 1 billion was made at the Royal Banquet held at Kololo Independence grounds last week.

Lumumba Amin, the son of the late former President of Uganda, Idi Amin Dada, has responded to President Museveni’s letter rejecting the establishment of the proposed Idi Amin Institute, referring to it as “idiotic.”

In a letter to his wife, Janet Museveni, who serves as the Minister of Education and Sports, President Museveni strongly advised against the creation of an institute in honor of Idi Amin. He cited a letter from Dr. Kagume, the head of the National Council of Higher Education, which addressed MP Kaps Hassan Fungaroo’s proposal for such an institute as a tribute to the late president.

Museveni contended that there is nothing worth commemorating about Idi Amin’s regime, as it was unconstitutional. He believed that the forgiveness extended to Amin’s associates by Ugandans is sufficient, and it is time to move on from that history.

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Lumumba Amin expressed disbelief that such a letter was authored by the President and asked for clarification regarding its origin. He challenged President Museveni to specify the legal basis for his directive. Furthermore, Lumumba criticized the President, likening his tone to that of an irate, incompetent individual expressing personal grievances from a government office.

He stated, “First of all, the letter is simply idiotic. I genuinely even doubted that such Fake news was actually written by you. Please clarify!”

Lumumba emphasized that the Amin family is not connected to this request and accused it of being a political scheme aimed at exploiting government funds in the coming financial years.

Surprisingly, Lumumba raised questions about President Museveni’s involvement in a 1973 incident, where he was reportedly driving a Volkswagen that eyewitnesses claimed had been used in the abduction of the then Chief Justice and Prime Minister, Benedicto Kiwanukka.