The Mayuge district security authority is investigating circumstances under which one person was reportedly shot dead by the security operatives during the recent community clashes over a land dispute.

It is reported that the scuffle erupted during the clash between the community of Bugata village and the communities of Bukalenzi village that are backed by the National Forestry Authority. Two other people were injured on August 21, 2023.

The land that is currently occupied by the communities of Bugata village is said to be part of the South Busoga Forest Reserve.

Elijah Madoi, the Residential District Commissioner, said an investigation into the matter is ongoing.

“The community of Bugata is accusing the Bukalenzi community of supporting Lufafa Investment Company and the NFA of planting trees on the land, yet it’s part of the 48 villages that the President had allocated to them,” a local source said.

The source said the residents of Bugata Village reportedly stormed the Bukalenzi community, in which they destroyed banana plantations, coffee, avocados, and demolished houses.

Lufafa Private Company has leased the said land for 26 years and has currently planted trees on it.