The Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters has moved to Kasese as it continues with its hearings in the Rwenzori region.
The commission heard from witnesses that land wrangles and illegal evictions had become rampant in the greater Kasese area over the last few years.
Government officials were also accused of facilitating the illegal sale of government land and turning a blind eye to complaints of land grabbing.
One of the witnesses before the commission was Tibesigwa Kafuuzi, an agricultural officer at the Mubuku Irrigation scheme.
Tibesigwa, told the commission that the Kasese district land board was complicit in irregularly giving out government land.
Tibesigwa also mentioned two groups, Kiwalama commercial farmers and Rukooki,who are purporting to have titles for the Mubuku irrigation scheme yet the land has been in government hands for decades.
Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the chairperson of the commission, said the district is facing a challenge of refugee resettlement, which has led to land shortages for the local residents. She asked the Office of the Prime Minister to address the issue before it got worse.
Justice Bamugemereire also had no kind words for security organizations that are being used to evict by people and destroying natural resources, such as wetlands and game parks.
Justice Bamugemereire called on the public to submit any recommendations they would like to include in the commission’s final report.