By Sophan Niwamanya
Tensions have flared between the Catholic Church and three businessmen in Rubanda District, Uganda, as a dispute unfolds over a 30-acre plot encompassing multiple villages in Nyakabungo and Nyaruhanga wards. Christians from Kabirizi Parish, affiliated with Kabale Diocese, led by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Prosper Turyahabwe and Curate Zaverio Tindimwebwa, have accused businessmen Fred Kaharata, Tushabe Norman (current Rubanda Town Council Mayor), and Mr. Begumisa Gerevazio of encroaching on their land.
The contested area, which includes the Nyakatugunda playground, known as Murukoro, was acquired by the church 43 years ago. In response to the allegations, Kabirizi Catholic Parish organized a holy mass on the disputed land, installing a wooden fence around the playground. Rev. Fr. Prosper Turyahabwe emphasized the church’s ownership, cautioning against interference, and urged the accused businessmen to relocate their activities elsewhere.
Local leaders, including Vice LC5 District Chairperson Prossy Akampurira Kesafari, Rubanda District Council Speaker Mary Waguma, and Rubanda District Inspector of Schools Asiimwe, affirmed the historical use of the land for sports and other functions. They pledged collective efforts to ensure the Catholic Church retained possession. LC1 Chairpersons Turihohabwe Martin and Twinomujuni Innocent questioned the lack of involvement in land title processing for the accused individuals, raising concerns about proper procedures during land title issuance.
Rubanda Deputy Resident District Commissioner Eric Ssewandigi assured the community of a prompt intervention by the district security team to resolve the dispute. In response, Mayor Rubanda Town Council Norman Tushabe denied any formal complaints from the Catholic Church regarding the land’s use, expressing surprise at the incident and pledging to seek justice through legal channels.
The protest concluded with the installation of a long wooden cross by parishioners, followed by a blessing ceremony using holy water. The clash between the Catholic Church and the businessmen in Rubanda District highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding land ownership and usage in the region.
