Paddy Sserunjogi, also known as Sobi, previously notorious for orchestrating armed robberies in Kampala before transitioning into a security informant, met his demise in a land dispute within Gomba district, central Uganda.
The incident unfolded at midday on Monday in Kibaale LC 1, Kigumba Parish, Maddu Sub-County, as outlined in a police report obtained by BYTE Vision Media. A confrontation erupted when a group of over 50 individuals, armed with sticks, pangas, and spears, attacked another faction asserting ownership of the disputed land.
Tragically, Sobi lost his life during the altercation.
The contested land had been purchased by a Rwandan named Kalisa for Shs 100m, with a 20m deposit made in 2007. However, a preliminary police report suggested that Kalisa might have acquired the land from an unauthorized source.
A separate group, claiming to be the descendants of the late Paul Kibi, led by Deborah Nagadiya and Barton Kiwewa, emerged with land titles, asserting their rightful ownership of the same land. Police are investigating the intricate web of conflicting claims in this unfortunate incident.
“But it’s claimed that he bought it from the wrong person,” police said in a preliminary report.
“Another group of people who claimed to be the children and grandchildren of the now late Paul Kibi led by Deborah Nagadiya and Barton Kiwewa emerged with land titles claiming the same land belongs to them,” said Police.
The dispute escalated to court, but before resolution, one of the rival factions enlisted thugs from Kisenyi, Kampala, to occupy the contested property.
Last night, Kalisa’s group, in collusion with individuals from different areas, convened at the residences of his sons – Rwabazingu, Fred Nyangabo, and Rwakana, orchestrating plans to confront the rival group associated with Sobi. Police revealed that Kalisa’s group went on to vandalize all structures on the disputed land.
This same group is suspected of causing additional casualties, although only one body, bearing cut wounds on the leg and neck, has been recovered, according to the police report.
Despite efforts to address land-related legislative issues, Uganda’s land sector grapples with challenges such as insecure tenure, conflicting land rights, and stark disparities in land access and ownership.
Land disputes in Uganda often involve struggles among relatives and siblings, given competing interests within family settings.
Sobi, beyond his involvement in land conflicts, had previously admitted to engaging in armed robbery in central Uganda.
In response to the recent violence, the police have increased deployments in Maddu Sub-county to quell tensions stemming from the tragic events.
