A protracted land dispute on Mbeya Island in Mukono District has evolved into a complex legal battle involving allegations of attempted murder, aggravated robbery, contested arrests and possible interference in criminal proceedings.
At the center of the controversy is Fredrick Namara Karuhanga, who in March 2023 was allegedly beaten unconscious and abandoned along the lakeshores of Mbeya Island. According to his account and testimonies from residents, marine soldiers rescued him and rushed him for treatment after he sustained severe injuries. He reportedly remained in a coma for several days.
Following his recovery, Namara filed a criminal case under Court File No. 1324/2024 seeking justice for attempted murder, aggravated robbery and assault.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Namara was arrested on February 10, 2026, in connection with a separate matter he insists had no link to him. His lawyers have described the arrest as irregular and in breach of the law, alleging that police were pressured to effect it. They also dismiss claims that Namara had been in hiding, arguing such assertions are intended to intimidate him into abandoning his case.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Reachel Kawala confirmed that Namara was later released on police bond, emphasizing that bond is a constitutional right and does not signal the end of investigations. She said the file has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further guidance.
Disputed Property Destruction Case
Police records show that in a property destruction case registered under CRB 442/2023, the listed suspects were headed by Juma Mukwana and others. Namara’s name does not appear among the accused persons, nor is there record of him recording a statement in that file.
Yet he was arrested earlier this month, raising questions among residents and legal observers.
The Seven-Acre Dispute
The dispute centers on seven acres of land comprising Kyaggwe Block 494, Plot 9, on Mbeya Island. Records indicate the land was purchased on November 6, 2019, by businessman Jackson Twinamasiko from Francis Tyaba, a Ugandan based in the United States who had granted power of attorney to Joyce Lutaaya. The transaction was reportedly valued at 70 million shillings.
Lutaaya is said to have subsequently sold the same land to senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer Major Mark Wanyama.
Twinamasiko petitioned both the UPDF and the President, alleging forceful occupation of the land by Wanyama and armed soldiers.
Investigations by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and the Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) reportedly found fault on the part of Wanyama and other soldiers. The matter is currently under review by the UPDF Human Rights Department.
An interim court order restraining interference with the land was issued and later enforced following instructions from the Office of the Inspector General of Police in October 2022. Implementation was reportedly completed in January 2024. The civil suit is now before Justice Mary Kisakye Kaitesi and is expected back in court in March.
Murder Case and Allegations
Major Wanyama recently appeared in the media alleging that Namara orchestrated the demolition of his house under the direction of Twinamasiko and claimed police had tracked Namara for three years before his arrest by the State House Land Protection Unit.
He further suggested that residents had been arrested over serious offences, including allegations linked to claims that Namara had been killed — despite Namara being alive.
However, records indicate that arrests on Mbeya Island were connected to the March 22, 2023 murder of 32-year-old fisherman Fred Ntambi in Katosi Town Council. The suspects were later granted bail after a key witness declined to attend court sessions.
Additional allegations have surfaced claiming attempts were made to influence the witness, raising further concerns if substantiated.
Climate of Fear
Some Mbeya Island residents describe an atmosphere of intimidation, alleging that what began as a civilian land dispute escalated into violent confrontations involving armed personnel. There are also claims that mediation efforts were frustrated and court orders resisted.
Court records further suggest that during proceedings before Mukono Chief Magistrate Roselyn Nsenge in September 2023, Major Wanyama made remarks that could be interpreted as threatening if rulings did not favor him. Allegations also exist that under oath, he admitted ordering Namara’s beating — claims that, if verified, would carry serious implications.
Awaiting Legal Direction
With the ODPP reviewing the criminal files, the UPDF Human Rights Department examining internal investigation findings, and the civil case set to resume in March, the Mbeya Island dispute remains unresolved.
What began as a seven-acre land transaction has since expanded into a legal saga involving assault allegations, contested arrests, murder investigations and claims of witness interference.
