The killing has shocked residents, who say disputes should be resolved through the courts rather than violence.
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A 57-year-old man who had recently won a land dispute in the High Court has been beaten to death while fencing off the contested property in Namasuba-Kikajjo, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality.
Edward Sewankambo was killed last Friday after he went to fence the one-acre piece of land, reportedly inherited from his grandfather, following a court ruling in his favour.
Police have arrested his uncle, Ssaalongo Francis Lukwago, who is suspected of participating in the killing alongside other family members. Other suspects are still being pursued.
According to accounts from residents and family members, Sewankambo had travelled from his home in Busikiri, Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality, to fence the property when he encountered relatives allegedly removing the posts he had taken to the site.
His son, Francis Lukwago, who had accompanied him, said they found Lukwago’s children, including Wasswa and Michael, at the property, where they allegedly began assaulting his father.
He said Ssaalongo Lukwago later arrived and joined the others in beating Sewankambo with the posts intended for the fence. The assault reportedly continued until Sewankambo died.
Police from Katwe were alerted to the incident, but the suspects allegedly fled before officers arrived. Lukwago was subsequently arrested as investigations into the killing continued.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was believed to have led the attack, while efforts to apprehend the other alleged participants were ongoing.
Sewankambo’s body was taken to Mulago mortuary before it was retrieved for burial at Bisikiri village, near his home.
Family Land Dispute
The killing followed a long-running family dispute over the ownership of the one-acre property.
Court proceedings indicate that Lukwago, Shamim Kiwanuka and other relatives sued Sewankambo Timothy Senabulya and others, accusing them of trespassing on the disputed land.
The case was filed at the High Court sitting at Twed Tower in Wandegeya under Civil Suit No. 0116 of 2026 and was heard by Justice Christine Kaahwa.
The land reportedly belonged to Sewankambo’s grandfather, George Ssali. After Ssali’s death, his son, Vincent Tamale, inherited the property.
The family later reportedly agreed to divide the land among Ssali’s children, with Lukwago receiving a share while Tamale retained the one-acre portion now at the centre of the dispute.
When Tamale died in 2003, Sewankambo inherited the land. However, Lukwago and his children later challenged his occupation of the property in court, accusing him of encroaching on their land.
The case, which began being heard in February this year, was decided on September 21, 2026. According to the family’s account, the court dismissed the claim against Sewankambo, allowing him to proceed with using the property.
It was while attempting to fence the land after the ruling that Sewankambo was allegedly attacked and killed.
Residents Demand Justice
The killing has shocked residents, who say disputes should be resolved through the courts rather than violence.
Musitapha Semakula condemned the incident, questioning why people resort to violence over disagreements that can be settled legally.
“It is very bad what happened to our fellow resident. Why do people have such evil hearts? We expect people who go to court to be seeking a resolution to disputes in the community,” he said.
Tadius Tamale said Sewankambo’s death would not resolve the dispute and questioned what the suspected attackers stood to gain.
“Killing Sewankambo is not going to solve the problem. What has the person who killed him gained? He fought over land, and now he is in prison. The good thing is that Namasuba-Kikajjo Police were aware of what was happening,” he said.
Paul Sempijja said residents witnessed the assault and knew the people who allegedly attacked Sewankambo.
“We heard the commotion and saw our fellow resident being beaten. We knew all the people who attacked him well. We ask for justice for our man,” he said.
The residents called on police to ensure that all those in
volved in the killing are arrested and brought to justice.