A 57-year-old man, Edward Sewankambo, has been killed in an alleged attack by relatives while fencing off disputed family land in Namasuba-Kikajjo, days after a High Court ruling reportedly went in his favour.
A long-running family land dispute has ended in tragedy after a 57-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by relatives in Namasuba-Kikajjo, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, shortly after winning a court case over a one-acre piece of land.
The deceased, identified as Edward Sewankambo, was reportedly attacked last Friday while attempting to fence the property he had inherited from his grandfather following a favourable ruling by the High Court.
Police have arrested his uncle, Ssaalongo Francis Lukwago, in connection with the killing, while investigations continue and efforts to arrest other suspected participants remain underway.
Man Allegedly Attacked While Fencing Family Land
According to accounts from family members and residents, Sewankambo travelled from his home in Busikiri, Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality, to the disputed property to begin fencing it.
However, he reportedly found some of his relatives removing the fence posts he had brought to the site, sparking a confrontation that allegedly turned violent.
His son, who had accompanied him, said several relatives, including Lukwago’s children, allegedly began assaulting his father.
The son further alleged that Ssaalongo Lukwago later arrived at the scene and joined the attack, with the suspects reportedly using the fence posts to beat Sewankambo.
The assault allegedly continued until Sewankambo died.
Police were alerted to the incident, but the suspects reportedly fled before officers arrived at the scene.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrest of a suspect believed to have led the attack. Police investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing and apprehend other suspects.
Sewankambo’s body was taken to Mulago mortuary before being released for burial at Bisikiri village, near his home.
High Court Ruling Preceded Fatal Land Dispute
The killing followed a prolonged family disagreement over ownership of the one-acre property.
Court proceedings cited in the report indicate that Lukwago, Shamim Kiwanuka and other relatives had sued Sewankambo and others, accusing them of trespassing on the disputed land.
The case was filed at the High Court sitting at Twed Tower in Wandegeya under Civil Suit No. 0116 of 2026 and was heard by Justice Christine Kaahwa.
The land reportedly belonged to Sewankambo’s grandfather, George Ssali. Following Ssali’s death, the property passed to his son, Vincent Tamale.
According to the family account, relatives later agreed to divide the land among Ssali’s children. Lukwago reportedly received a share, while Tamale retained the one-acre portion that later became the subject of the court dispute.
When Tamale died in 2003, Sewankambo reportedly inherited the contested land.
However, Lukwago and his children later challenged Sewankambo’s occupation of the property, accusing him of encroaching on their land.
The case reportedly began being heard in February 2026 and was decided on September 21, 2026. According to the family, the court dismissed the claim against Sewankambo, allowing him to continue using the property.
Tragically, he was allegedly attacked and killed while attempting to fence the land following the ruling.
Namasuba Residents Demand Justice
The killing has sparked outrage among residents of Namasuba-Kikajjo, with community members calling for justice and condemning the use of violence to settle family disagreements.
Resident Musitapha Semakula expressed disappointment over the incident, questioning why people resort to violence when disputes can be resolved through the courts.
He said the incident was disturbing and called on members of the community to respect legal processes when dealing with disagreements.
Another resident, Tadius Tamale, questioned what the suspected attackers stood to gain from Sewankambo’s death, arguing that the killing would not resolve the land dispute.
Paul Sempijja, another resident, said community members witnessed the assault and called on police to ensure that everyone involved is brought to justice.
Residents have urged security agencies to pursue the remaining suspects and ensure that the case is handled in accordance with the law.
Family Land Disputes Raise Concerns Over Violence
Sewankambo’s death highlights the devastating consequences that can arise when family land disputes escalate into violence, even after parties have sought legal resolution through the courts.
Land ownership disagreements remain a sensitive issue for many families, particularly where inheritance, boundaries and competing claims are involved.
The incident has renewed calls for families to respect court decisions and use lawful channels to resolve disagreements rather than resorting to violence.
As police investigations continue, residents are waiting to see whether the remaining suspects will be arrested and held accountable for their alleged roles in the killing.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the suspects must be determined through the appropriate legal process.
