Majambere Kamuntu Semakula Ivan, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Rukiga District, has been remanded by the Gomba Magistrates’ Court on charges of Conspiracy to Defraud, Stealing Cattle, and Criminal Trespass.
The charges stem from a land dispute in Kabulasoke Sub-County, Gomba District, where Majambere and his accomplices are accused of seizing a 300-acre farmland in August 2023. Court documents reveal that the group violently evicted workers from the property, owned by prominent farmer and businessman Frank Rushanganwa, who has held a registered title since 2003. The accused allegedly stole 157 cows valued at UGX 318 million, relocating them to an undisclosed location.
Majambere claims to have purchased part of the land in 2020 from co-accused Mwesigye, who in turn claimed ownership since 2018. However, the validity of these transactions is under scrutiny, as Rushanganwa’s title remains uncontested. In addition to the alleged theft, Majambere and his group reportedly recruited individuals to occupy portions of the land, falsely convincing them they were legitimate buyers, which disrupted farming operations and caused unrest in the community.
In March 2024, the Gomba Magistrates’ Court issued an eviction order against Majambere and his accomplices, directing them to vacate the land. Despite this, enforcement has faced challenges, with only 101 of the stolen cows recovered so far. The ongoing investigation aims to recover the remaining livestock and hold all parties accountable.
The case has further highlighted the increasing prevalence of land disputes fueled by fraudulent transactions and illegal evictions in Uganda. Authorities, including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, are actively involved in the matter, signaling a crackdown on land fraud.
Majambere’s position as Deputy RCC, a role meant to safeguard law and order, has amplified public scrutiny of the case. His remand until December 3, 2024, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring justice in land-related matters.
As land disputes continue to plague Uganda, the government’s decisive actions in this case could set a precedent for greater accountability in land management and governance. Observers hope the investigation will restore trust in the system and protect vulnerable landowners from exploitation.
