The Uganda Police has confirmed the death of Paddy Sserunjogi, alias Sobi, in a land dispute within Maddu, Gomba district. Sserunjogi gained notoriety for his involvement in violent crimes such as robbery in Kampala and engaging in illicit activities like assassination and abduction and later collaborating with security agencies.
Killing and stealing became prominent actions that fueled the rise of turmoil in Kampala and its neighboring areas. These actions were accompanied by the torture of individuals within uncertain Kampala state houses. The perpetrators formed a fierce and violent group that clashed with the police during various assessments.
Sobi’s tragic demise resulted from a land conflict in Kibale, Kigguumba, located in Maddu sub-county in Gomba District. The dispute centered around a piece of land believed to be owned by Kaliisa Samuel, a local resident of the area who continues to assert his ownership of the land.
Kaliisa reportedly gathered a sizable group of over 50 energetic youths to safeguard his property. Armed with sturdy sticks and sharp machetes, they were entrusted with the protection of his land. The acquisition of this land dates back to 2007 when Kaliisa is said to have purchased it for an approximate sum of 100 million Ugandan Shillings. Initially, he made an initial payment of 20 million, securing a land parcel equivalent to one square mile.
As per police investigations, an alternative claim to the land emerged from the family of the late Kiibi Paul. This group, led by Deborah Nagadya and Kiweewa Button, asserted their right to the land, alleging that Kaliisa’s land title had been stolen during the course of the property acquisition.
After assembling a group of gang star fighters from Kampala Kisenyi, these two opposing factions engaged in a fierce battle. In the midst of the conflict, one individual lost his life, identified as Ssobbi, while others, such as Gerrald Katumba and Andrew Mateeka, suffered severe injuries.
Magidu Karim, the spokesperson for Katonga regional Police, clarified that the deceased, Paddy Sserunjogi “Sobi,” was transported to a hospital in Gomba, while the wounded were promptly taken to nearby medical facilities.
Earlier this morning, a security operation was conducted in Gomba, systematically gathering comprehensive evidence and scouring the land and dense vegetation to determine if additional individuals succumbed in the wilderness as a result of the altercation.
Nakamya Harriet, the Residential District Commissioner (RDC) of Gomba district, has affirmed the continuation of the search to ascertain the existence of any survivors who may have perished or are still unaccounted for.
She proceeded to reveal that a confidential gathering with the security entities in Gomba is imminent to assess the aftermath of the recent violent encounter.
Expressing her dissent towards the prevailing public opinion and those infringing upon Uganda’s constitutional laws, RDC Harriet declared the scheduled meeting for this morning. The primary objective is to devise effective solutions to address the aforementioned challenges.
One of the encampments affected by the conflict has observed a reduction in their numbers, prompting the police to initiate a comprehensive search operation. Meanwhile, in Gombe Hospital, located in Butambala, reports have surfaced indicating the discovery of an additional trio of lifeless bodies, all succumbing to machete-inflicted injuries.
Nabakka Marium, Nagaddya Deborah, and Kiweewa Button continue to assert their claim to the land, maintaining that Samuel Kaliisa is a land grabber who has failed to provide clear documentation proving ownership. According to Hajji Njuki Mbabari, he stated that they have repeatedly asked Kaliisa Samuel to produce the title deeds for the land, but he has yet to present any concrete evidence of ownership.
Hajji Njuki Mbabari emphasized that, over time, there has been no satisfactory proof from Kaliisa Samuel regarding his entitlement to the land. The conflict, marked by clashes resulting in collateral damage and bloodshed, awaits the government’s intervention for a peaceful and amicable resolution.
It’s worth noting that in the Gomba district, specifically in Gomba East Constituency, Kanoni sub-county, Nkwale parish, land disputes have surfaced. The involvement of Col. Edith Nakalema played a crucial role in resolving similar conflicts in the area, restoring peace.
