Mugyenyi talking to residents of Ihanika village in Bugashe parish on Monday

By Fred Turyakira

SECURITY officials in Mbarara have stopped a tycoon, Peter Bibangamba, from evicting over 150 residents of Nyakayojo sub-county from their land.

The operation was led by the district Police chief, Vincent Irama, deputy CID boss, Davida Turyagumiriza, internal security officer Lt. Arthur Mugyenyi and district councillors.

Bibangamba said he acquired the land in Bugashe and Katojo parishes in 1995.

The officials held a meeting with both parties last week where Bibangamba was represented by his manager, Lillian Nabukenya.

Leo Katweire, a resident, accused Bibangamba of intimidating them to leave the land, which they inherited from their parents.

The locals also accused Bibangamba of blocking pathways to their homes, access to water points and of slashing their banana plantations.

Mugyenyi urged the residents to be calm, saying no one will chase them from their land and that the case was under investigation.