On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, tensions escalated in Kayunga Town as congregants from Kayunga Catholic Parish disrupted the construction of a perimeter wall by Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, alleging that the government had encroached upon their land.
The controversy stems from a recent directive by Lands State Minister Sam Mayanja, who allocated the disputed two-acre parcel to the hospital; a decision met with resistance from the local Christian community. In response, the minister instructed the police to ensure security during the hospital’s construction activities.
On the morning of the protest, workers from the UPDF Engineering Brigade commenced foundation work for the perimeter wall. In reaction, a group of agitated Christians, led by church leader Ssalongo Kibirige, confronted the workers, demanding an immediate cessation of the construction. They accused the government of unlawfully seizing their land, chanting slogans such as, “Stop your illegal activities. This is our land!”
Despite their objections, construction proceeded, prompting the protesters to block a nearby road and direct verbal assaults at the armed UPDF officers present. The situation drew the attention of Douglas Kiwanuka, Officer-in-Charge of Kayunga Town Police Station, who arrived with reinforcements and called for calm. Both the workers and the protesters were subsequently instructed to vacate the premises, with assurances that the dispute would be addressed through appropriate channels.
This incident follows a prior demonstration where Christians maintained a vigil on the contested land, lighting fires to express their discontent with the government’s decision.
The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of land ownership and allocation in Uganda, underscoring the need for transparent and equitable resolution mechanisms to address such conflicts.
