Nine Arrested over Alleged Illegal Sale of Church Land in Mukono

Police in Uganda have arrested nine suspects accused of trespassing on and illegally selling portions of 101 acres of land belonging to St. Kizito Kayini Sub-Parish of the Lugazi Catholic Diocese in Mukono District. The arrests were announced by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during a plenary sitting on November 12, 2026. The land dispute began on June 1, 2026, when a group allegedly led by Nelson Okello Alfred trespassed on the land.

According to Nakifuma County MP Sulaiman Kiwanuka, the parish priest, Fr. Anthony Kizito, filed a formal complaint at Naggalama Police Station following the trespass. The suspects claim ownership of the land as first, second and third-generation mailo landholders and allegedly sold portions of it to Okello between March and May 2026. The land has been a source of conflict, with 29 of the 101 acres already occupied by squatters.

Preliminary findings indicate that the land was originally donated to the Catholic Church by the Buganda Kingdom. The Prime Minister commended the Mukono Resident District Commissioner and the Kasawo Sub-county LC III Chairperson for intervening through fact-finding meetings aimed at addressing the dispute. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting institutional land, including church property, from illegal encroachment.

The case has been sanctioned, and the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court to answer charges related to the alleged encroachment. The government has assured the public that it will take necessary measures to resolve the land dispute and prevent similar conflicts in the future. The Catholic Church has recently started documenting the land to secure its ownership.

The land dispute has caused concern among local leaders, with MP Kiwanuka raising the issue in parliament. The Prime Minister's response highlights the government's efforts to address the conflict and protect church property. The arrests demonstrate the government's commitment to enforcing the law and upholding the rights of landowners.

The alleged sale of church land has sparked debate over land ownership and management in Uganda. The country's land laws and regulations have been criticized for being unclear and open to abuse. The government has promised to review and strengthen land laws to prevent similar conflicts in the future.

The case is ongoing, and the suspects will face trial for their alleged roles in the land dispute. The government's handling of the case will be closely watched by local communities and stakeholders. The protection of institutional land, including church property, remains a priority for the government.

Key points

• The suspects claim ownership of the land as first, second and third-generation mailo landholders.
• Preliminary findings indicate that the land was originally donated to the Catholic Church by the Buganda Kingdom.
• The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting institutional land, including church property, from illegal encroachment.