Fredrick Namara Karuhanga the survivor land conflicts along the shores of Mbeya Island in Mukono District in 2023 has petitioned the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) over what he referred to as irregularly being charged
Namara was arrested last month and added to a separate charge sheet accusing a group of youths of damaging property belonging to Major Wanyama on Mbeya Island.
Police records show that the property destruction case was initially registered under File No. CRB 442/2023 and was headed by Juma Mukwana and others.
Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed that Namara was indeed arrested but released on police bond, since it is his constitutional right.
She further noted that the case file has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions-ODPP for legal guidance.
However, before being charged, in March 2023, Namara was brutally assaulted by a gang allegedly commanded by Major Mark Wanyama, survived only after marine soldiers intervened and rushed him for emergency medical care.
The case, now under Court File 1324/2024, was meant to hold his alleged attackers accountable.
Behind the criminal allegations lies a protracted land dispute over seven acres described as Kyagwe Block 494, Plot 9, on Mbeya Island.
In previous media reports, Major Wanyama alleges that Namara orchestrated the demolition of his house under the direction of businessman Twinamasiko.
He also alleges that Police before Namara’s arrest, Police had tracked him for close to three years.
He also suggested that residents had been arrested and charged with serious offences, including murder allegations linked to claims of killing Namara yet he was still alive
The land in question is said to have been purchased on November 6, 2019, by businessman Jackson Twinamasiko from Francis Tyaba, a U.S.-based owner who had granted power of attorney to Joyce Lutaaya.
Documents indicate on the matter, indicate that the purchase price was 70 million shillings. However, Lutaaya is said to have subsequently sold the same land to Major Wanyama, creating overlapping claims of ownership.
Twinamasiko petitioned both the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the President, alleging forceful occupation by Wanyama and armed soldiers.
Investigations by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence and the Special Investigations Bureau reportedly found Wanyama and other soldiers culpable. The matter is currently under review by the UPDF Human Rights Department.
An interim court order restrained interference with the land pending final determination of the suit. On October 21, 2022, the Office of the Inspector General of Police directed enforcement of that order. After reported resistance, it was eventually implemented in January 2024.
The civil case is now before Justice Mary Kisakye Kaitesi and is expected back in court in March.
