He expressed frustration over the police response. “When we reported the matter to Naggalama Division Police headquarters seeking intervention, officers declined to act, saying they are not permitted to handle land-related issues,” he said.
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Mukono Diocese is in uproar following Naggalama Division Police’s refusal to respond to calls from church ministers to arrest alleged land grabbers who invaded church land overnight, destroying property belonging to teachers.
Rev. John Musoke, the Diocesan Secretary, said church officials sought police intervention after suspected land grabbers attacked part of the church land at Nakanyonyi Church of Uganda Primary School in Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council.
“They uprooted banana plantations planted by teachers, cut down fences, and later set the poles on fire. This happened around 4:00 a.m.,” Rev. Musoke said, adding that the attack was reported by nearby Christians who witnessed the incident.
He expressed frustration over the police response. “When we reported the matter to Naggalama Division Police headquarters seeking intervention, officers declined to act, saying they are not permitted to handle land-related issues,” he said.
Rev. Musoke questioned the role of the police land directorate if officers cannot act on land disputes. “Are the police waiting until church ministers are attacked, injured, or even killed before taking action? It is deeply unfortunate. If this can happen even when a church minister in clerical collar seeks help, what about the safety of local people in the villages?” he asked.
When contacted, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala declined to provide details, noting that police had already engaged diocesan leadership to determine the best way to handle the matter.
Rev. Erisa Walusimbi, the Diocesan Estates Director, revealed that the diocese originally owned over 450 acres at Nakanyonyi, but more than 250 acres have since been overtaken by encroachers.
“This land, subdivided into small plots, was meant to support teachers through farming. Unfortunately, after taking over other sections, the grabbers have now encroached on this portion too, putting up temporary structures to claim ownership,” Walusimbi explained.
The Archdeacon of Bukoba Archdeaconry, Ven. Charles Bukenya, said his office often receives individuals claiming ownership of church plots without valid documentation. “I have served here for only two years, but these disputes have persisted for over two decades. Whenever claims arise, I refer them to the diocese,” he said.
Daniel Katabira, head of laity at St. John’s Church Nakanyonyi, noted that while some alleged land grabbers are known, many remain unidentified and fail to produce credible ownership documents.
Rev. Musoke also called on the Christian community to take a more active role in protecting church property. “It is time for Christians to safeguard church land. These properties support vital projects like schools and health services that benefit the entire community,” he said.
Walusimbi added that land grabbing is widespread across the diocese, affecting parishes in Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga, and Buvuma districts. “We face similar challenges in Kaabulo, Kisowera, and Katikamu, where encroachers have even threatened church leaders. In Katikamu, the church has lost most of its land, with less than one acre remaining out of the original 10 acres,” he said.
