By Jamila Kemigisa
Authorities in Bunyangabu District have taken decisive action against two individuals accused of forging a land agreement in an attempt to unlawfully seize property from a 95-year-old woman. The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bunyangabu, Kamukama Nicholas, has ordered the arrest of Musabe Isaaya, the village chairperson, and Kanyunyuzi Gorret, the elderly woman’s grandchild, for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent scheme.
The victim, Tibakanya Judith, had been facing eviction from her legally owned land in Bukuka village, Nyakigumba town council after the suspects reportedly altered land ownership documents to falsely claim the property belonged to a one Kanyunyuzi. Witnesses and signatories of the original agreement refuted the forged document’s authenticity, noting discrepancies such as the absence of fingerprints, which were present on the legitimate document.
Despite efforts by land officials to mediate the dispute through community policing and sensitization, the suspects continued their fraudulent claims. Their persistent actions led the RDC to intervene and order their arrest to uphold justice and prevent further exploitation.
Further investigations confirmed that the elderly woman was the rightful owner of the land. A witness, Bakunda Adriya, who had previously attempted to purchase the property, testified that the land legally belonged to Tibakanya Judith.
Condemning the fraudulent attempt, RDC Kamukama emphasized the importance of integrity, urging residents to acquire property through lawful means rather than deception. “People must work for what they own instead of resorting to dishonest means. We will not allow land grabbing and fraud in Bunyangabu,” he stated.
He has since reassured the public that legal action will be taken against the suspects to deter similar cases of land fraud in the district. He has also encouraged residents to report any fraudulent land dealings to ensure justice and protect vulnerable landowners.
