President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has banned all land evictions in the country that are carried out without the consent of the respective District Security Committees (DSC).
The tough directive was communicated in a letter dated February 28, 2022 and addressed to the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja. Museveni said that he was using his powers under Article 98(1) and 99(1) of the Constitution that enjoins him to ensure good governance and protect the Constitution.
Museveni directed thus :“No eviction should be allowed to take place in a district without the consent and direct observation of the District Security Committee (DSC), chaired by the Resident District Commissioners/Resident City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs) and direct consultation with the Minister of Lands. “
The President further stated that if this is not done and the illegal evictions go ahead, the members of the District Security Committee will all be held responsible and action will be taken against them. This however excludes the UPDF representatives who may not be in the know of the substance of the issues involved.
In the same communication, the President requested His Lordship the Chief Justice to prevail upon the Justices and Magistrates who violate the Constitution by illegally evicting people in collusion with land grabbers. He further directed the Minister of Lands to inform the Attorney General about such abuses by judicial officers so that legal action can be taken against them.
The Minister of Lands, Hon. Judith Nabakooba who has of late been traversing the country battling land grabbers who are evicting Ugandans -has since welcomed the presidential directive .
“I thank HE @KagutaMuseveni for this important directive stopping all illegal evictions. I call upon members on the District Security Committee to rise to the occasion and restore peace and trust among our people. We all have a right to a place we call home,” Nabakooba stated in a tweet.
