- Mr. Mwijukye Rodgers just like many others has a bone of contention with Mbarara High Court Circuit for neglecting his land case since 2021
Uganda Today Edition: Farmer Cries Foul Over Land Grabbing and Delayed Justice in Mbarara High Court Circuit
Mr. Mwijukye Rodgers, a farmer from Kitwe Town Council in Ntungamo District and Birere Sub-county in Isingiro District, has raised serious concerns about the handling of his land dispute case by the Mbarara High Court Circuit. In a detailed complaint delivered to Uganda Today, Mwijukye accuses the judiciary of failing to deliver justice in his protracted battle over 41 acres of ancestral land allegedly encroached upon by his neighbor, Mr. Mugabi Dickson.
The Land Dispute
Mwijukye inherited the 41-acre parcel of land from his father, land that has been the lifeline for his farming activities. However, according to his complaint, Mugabi Dickson illegally claimed ownership of the land without presenting any legitimate proof. Mwijukye alleges that Mugabi used bribery and influence to assert control over the property.
The situation escalated when Mugabi reportedly orchestrated the arrest of Mwijukye’s farm workers on what he describes as “trumped-up charges.” Feeling cornered, Mwijukye sought legal redress in 2021 by filing a court case against Mugabi in the Mbarara High Court Circuit.
The Judiciary’s Inaction
The case, presided over by High Court Judge Andrew Kabombo, has been marked by significant delays. Although Judge Kabombo issued summons for Mugabi to appear in court, the accused has reportedly ignored them and failed to attend any hearings. Meanwhile, Mwijukye’s attempts to seek timely justice have been thwarted, leaving his livelihood and property in limbo.
Mwijukye asserts that the delay in resolving the case has emboldened Mugabi, who continues to occupy and exploit the disputed land without consequence. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Mwijukye lamented, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in his case.
A Call for Judicial Accountability
Mwijukye is now appealing to the Judiciary, particularly the Mbarara High Court Circuit, to revisit his case and ensure justice is served. He calls upon the relevant authorities to hold Mugabi accountable for his actions and bring an end to the seemingly deliberate delays that have left him without recourse.
“Land disputes are a source of great suffering for many ordinary Ugandans,” Mwijukye told Uganda Today. “The judiciary must act swiftly and impartially to protect the rights of citizens, especially those of us who rely on our land for survival.”
A Broader Issue
Mwijukye’s case underscores a larger issue of systemic inefficiencies and corruption in Uganda’s land dispute resolution mechanisms. Land grabbing has become a pervasive problem, often fueled by unequal power dynamics and bribery. Farmers and small landowners are particularly vulnerable, with many losing their livelihoods while cases drag on in court for years.
The situation has also raised questions about the accountability of judicial officers and their ability to enforce compliance with court summons and orders. Public confidence in the judiciary is eroded when cases like Mwijukye’s remain unresolved.
What’s Next?
Mwijukye is urging the judiciary to prioritize his case and restore his faith in the legal system. His appeal is not just for himself but for countless others who face similar challenges in defending their land rights.
As Ugandans wait to see whether the Mbarara High Court Circuit will act decisively, Mwijukye’s plea serves as a reminder of the urgent need for judicial reforms to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
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