Police in the Albertine South Region in Bunyoro sub-region have expressed worries about increasing land crimes involving tycoons-untouchables who intend to threaten them by fighting against human rights on land.

The worries were revealed by the Deputy Albertine South Regional Police Commander, Titus Byaruhanga, during a baraza organised by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions held at the Office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Hoima.

“Intimidations with calls from the people who pretend to be untouchables, from higher hierarchy with big powers, still remain a bigger challenge to us while protecting human rights on lands. They use their powers and offices to grab people’s lands,” Byaruhanga said.

“It is the challenge we undergo daily, receiving multiple calls from unknown people who want to grab lands,” he added.

Byaruhanga stated that in the last eight months, 219 land conflict cases were registered across the region from different police stations.

Kagadi, Kibaale, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Hoima City and Hoima district Police stations are the stations from which these cases were registered.

Byaruhanga added that these land conflict cases that go unresolved have escalated cases of domestic violence in the region.

Grace Mary Mugasa, the State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs, noted that there are a lot of injustices when it comes to land crimes that end up favouring only the rich.

“We shall ensure the entire regional community barazas ensure justice and land rights in our communities,” she said.

The minister, however, wondered why different land committees and district land boards fail to advocate land security.

“There is nobody who can acquire land in an area without the endorsement from the land boards,” Mugasa stated.

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George William Byansi, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, noted an increased number of land evictions, criminal trespass, and forgery of documents of land ownership in the region.

However, he did not provide any statistical evidence indicating the rise.

He urged the public to avoid crimes related to land and also secure land titles.

Badru Mugabi, the Hoima Resident City Commissioner, noted the mismatch between State Attorneys and Magistrate Courts like Kyangwali and Buseruka, saying these courts are crippling justice services and leading to unnecessary adjournments.

The communities also expressed concerns over gaps in government services, especially in fighting land crimes.