Two Men Remanded Over Alleged Land Grabbing in Kira, Uganda

Two men, Yusuf Ssemakula, a businessman, and Eric Kato, a mechanical engineer, have been remanded to November 23, 2026, after appearing before Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges related to alleged forcible entry, unlawful eviction, and destruction of property. The charges stem from investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

According to the prosecution, the accused, along with others still at large, allegedly mobilized a group that violently entered land in Kitukutwe Village, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, between September and November 2025. The disputed land, comprised in Block 180, formerly Plot 2 Kyadondo, was allegedly targeted for possession without a court eviction order.

The prosecution also alleges that the accused participated in the destruction of property belonging to William Kabugo, Robert Kizito Nsimbi, and Edisa Sanyu. The destroyed property included eucalyptus and indigenous trees, maize, banana plantations, sweet potatoes, fruit trees, and cassava. The six counts against the accused include destroying growing plants, forcible entry, forcible detainer, and unlawful eviction of bona fide occupants without a court order.

The case was brought to court following a collaborative effort between the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, CID, and ODPP. The investigations aimed to address the issue of land grabbing and destruction of property in the region. The accused were arraigned on six counts related to the alleged offenses.

The Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded the accused until November 23, 2026, as investigations and court proceedings continue. The remand allows for further investigation and gathering of evidence to build a stronger case against the accused.

Land grabbing and related disputes have been a challenge in Uganda, with various cases reported across the country. The case of Yusuf Ssemakula and Eric Kato highlights the efforts of the authorities to address such issues and bring perpetrators to justice.

The judiciary and other stakeholders continue to work towards addressing the complexities of land disputes and ensuring that justice is served in such cases. The case of the two men accused of land grabbing in Kira will continue to unfold as investigations and court proceedings progress.

Key points

• The accused, Yusuf Ssemakula and Eric Kato, face six counts related to alleged land grabbing and destruction of property in Kira, Uganda.
• The case was investigated by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, CID, and ODPP, highlighting a collaborative effort to address land grabbing.
• The accused have been remanded until November 23, 2026, as investigations and court proceedings continue.