On January 21, 2025, a group of individuals unlawfully entered a 68-acre plot located on Block 428, Plot 192 (formerly Plot 22) in Entebbe. The land is owned by Professor Eleanor Maxine Ankrah. During their invasion, they destroyed 18 acres of trees and crops, causing significant damage to the property.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit collaborated closely with the Uganda Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to address the situation promptly. Eight suspects were arrested and brought before the Entebbe Magistrates Court. They face charges of forcible entry, forcible detainer, malicious damage to property, and theft. The court remanded them until February 28, 2025, as investigations continue. The suspects include Sserungaya Alex Mukisa, Kajubi Peter, Ddungu Henry, Nnaku Ramanthan, Kaweesi Godfrey, Ngesa Robert, Mukiibi Asuman, and Mugweri Joseph. Authorities are actively pursuing additional suspects who remain at large.
These individuals acted under instructions from alleged bibanja (tenant) owners, including Lutaaya William, Nnalongo Kaita Bakumba Winfred, Kalenzo Edward, Osowa Anthony, and Robert Kayigwa. These bibanja holders had earlier reached a consent agreement in the High Court, requiring Professor Ankrah to allocate 18 acres of land for distribution among them. However, before Professor Ankrah could demarcate the designated portions on February 8 and 9, 2025, Ssebagula Aaron—a former convict with a history of land grabbing and fraud—led the group in forcibly entering the land. They cut down crops and trees, selling them to unidentified buyers.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit remains committed to locating Ssebagula and his associates, ensuring all responsible parties face legal consequences. This case highlights the complexities surrounding bibanja ownership disputes and underscores the need for stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
