Bunyoro Minister Mugasa, leaders and locals accuse police, courts of siding with rich over poor

What the report says

Bunyoro Affairs Minister Grace Mary Mugasa, Hoima leaders and residents have accused police officers and judicial officials of favouring wealthy people in land disputes and other cases, saying poorer residents struggle to get fair treatment. The complaints were raised during a community baraza in Hoima organised by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and hosted at the Resident City Commissioner’s office.

According to Nile Post, Mugasa said she had heard of people being arrested, taken to court and remanded because a rich person was behind the matter. Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma said residents often report alleged land evictions linked to wealthy individuals and police assistance, while one resident, Ibrahim Asera, said police and courts had failed to resolve a claim involving about USD30,000 from a timber deal. He also said his file kept going missing.

Albertine South Regional Deputy Police Commander Titus Byaruhanga defended the police, saying officers try to handle cases fairly but sometimes face pressure and threatening calls from senior officials to back away from certain land matters. He said people who do not get help in one office can escalate complaints to regional or national levels.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions George William Byansi said the ODPP would investigate the allegations and take action where wrongdoing is found. The broader concern raised by leaders and residents was that continued distrust in land and criminal justice processes could push some frustrated people toward mob justice, making accountability within police and courts especially important.