NTUNGAMO LC II CHAIRPERSON UNDER INVESTIGATIONS OVER BAISED LAND AQUISATION ISSUES

By Ambrose Kweronda
In Ntungamo

A corrupt LC II Chairperson of Keina Ward, Rwentobo-Rwahi Town Council in Ntungamo District, Mr. Tumuhigwe Steven, has come under scrutiny for his imbalanced approach to resolving land dispute cases.

According to a letter dated June 6, 2023, from the office of the RDC (Resident District Commissioner) of Ntungamo District, it has been revealed that the Chairperson has favored certain individuals in facilitating the illegal acquisition and sale of lands that originally belonged to the late Turyatunga Kenneth, who passed away a decade ago.

The letter further states that the RDC’s office has received multiple complaints alleging corruption against the Chairperson, thereby casting doubt on his ability to deliver justice. Consequently, the Mayor and Town Clerk have been directed to investigate the matter and engage with local leaders to ensure a fair resolution.

Sources have disclosed that in one particular case, the LC II Chairperson, Mr. Tumuhigwe Steven, received a sum of 520,000 shillings on his mobile phone before the commencement of the case. Furthermore, during the proceedings, he proceeded to demand 65,000 shillings from each of the defendants involved, as the case was divided into four parts.

Accompanied by a group of petitioners, Turinzirwe Enid, a 64-year-old mother of the deceased, visited the RDC’s office to present her concerns. She revealed that her late son, Turyatunga Kenneth, who had been severely ill, was left alone and unsupported by his wife, Nimusiima Monica, who subsequently absconded with their two children.

Enid expressed her astonishment and disapproval when Monica suddenly reappeared, now supported by her father, to claim ownership of the late Kenneth’s properties, including the lands he had sold while alive.

Enid also pointed out that during her appearance before the LC II court, she noticed the Chairperson’s biased handling of the case. The questions asked by the Chairperson seemed to favor one side, which she disagreed with.

She expressed her dismay, saying, “Monica stole everything from my son, including 12 million shillings and other properties, which were later recovered after she sold them and fled with their two children.

I struggled to care for my son as he moved from one hospital to another until he passed away. The plots he sold were rightfully his, and he sold them to secure his life and provide for his three children. It’s unforgivable to see Monica, without any shame, suddenly appear to claim anything now.”

It is worth noting that Nimusiima Monica and her father, Monday Hassan, a money lender in Kabale town, approached the LC II court to dispute the ownership of the plots purchased from the late Kenneth’s land. They alleged that he was mentally unstable and therefore incapable of selling any land.

Efforts to obtain a statement from the Chairperson proved futile, as he declined to engage with journalists.