By Spy Uganda
A Catholic priest who was forcefully evicted from his land in Mpigi District has been compensated following swift intervention by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU).
Reverend Father Edward Bwanika filed a complaint with SH-ACU on February 3, 2026, accusing Mr. Odida Paul and his agents of unlawfully entering his kibanja in Ntinzi, Nkozi, Mpigi, and destroying his crops, including coffee, bananas, and Irish potatoes. The Unit immediately launched investigations into the matter.
On February 14, Fr. Bwanika reported further destruction of his remaining crops, prompting decisive action from authorities. The following day, SH-ACU arrested Mr. Odida and four other individuals allegedly involved in the incident in a bid to curb what officials described as growing impunity in land-related disputes.
Following his arrest, Mr. Odida, through his legal representatives, requested to resolve the matter through Alternative Dispute Resolution. Fr. Bwanika agreed to the proposal, paving the way for an amicable settlement.
During the mediation process, Mr. Odida apologized to the priest and committed to ensuring that Fr. Bwanika enjoys quiet possession of his kibanja. He also agreed to compensate him for the destruction of his crops.
Records indicate that Fr. Bwanika acquired approximately 2.5 acres of kibanja land in 2004 and has maintained active possession since then. Mr. Odida reportedly secured registration of the land in his names in 2021 after initially applying through an agent to convert customary interests into freehold tenure. Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances under which the land title was issued despite existing occupants.
SH-ACU officials emphasized that their intervention aligns with H.E. the President’s directive to safeguard the constitutional rights of bibanja holders and protect lawful occupants from illegal evictions.
The resolution of the dispute has been welcomed as a significant step toward strengthening land justice and reaffirming government commitment to protecting vulnerable landowners across the country.
