The Toro Elders Forum (Isaazi Ly’abantu Bakuru Ba Tooro) have petitioned Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the Chairperson of the new Commission on Land Inquiry, over the rampant cases of land grabbing and lawlessness in land management in Tooro region.
Head of the elders’ forum Rev. Fr. Pascal Kabura Adyeeri says they want the land commission to investigate the forceful occupation of privately owned land, extra judicial evictions of bonafide tenants, deliberate disregard of lawful court orders and constitutional provisions on land and property rights in Toro.
He says encroachment on protected land resources such as forests and National Parks is common in Toro, as well as illegal encroachment by unknown settlers on Kyaka 1 refugee settlement land gazetted in 1964, land grabbing in the guise of attracting and offering land to investors.
Fr. Kabura also cited the militarization of land management process where Security forces have been used in evictions, Involving tribes in land management process and secrecy and corruption in the purchase of land under land fund.
The forum announced the petition during adialogue held at Balya road green belt in Fort Portal on Tuesday. The petition was supported by all leaders who include the Fort Portal Municipality MP Hon. Alex Ruhunda, Herbert Mugisa, Joseph Mashuhuuko, Magezi Snob, Tooro Kingdom officials among others.
Kato Hussien the District Deputy Speaker Kabarole called for unity and peace in leadership so as to realize team work. He warned leaders against personalizing Tooro Issues so as to collectively realize the goal.