ARRESTED, DISPLACED AND UNDER THREAT AGAIN: KAPAAPI COMMUNITY FACES RENEWED WAVE OF ARRESTS AND INTIMIDATION
Liberty Pro-Bono Initiative (LPI) and the Health Equity and Policy Initiative (HEAPI) are deeply concerned by the recent arrests, detentions, and continued harassment of members of the Kapaapi community in Hoima district.
These arrests are taking place as community members continue to seek justice and accountability for the violations they suffered during the 2023 evictions.
Recent Arrests
On June 8, 2026, ten (10) members of the Kapaapi community, including a community leader, were arrested at approximately 9:00 p.m. and taken to Biso police station. They have spent over 48 hours in detention without being presented before court.
Those arrested include: David Kayongo, George Kamulinde, Okecha, Franco Ongeyowun, Bedijo Owonda, Federico Kerfa, Godfrey Dhogu, Gilbert Oringa (LC 3 Chairperson Biso town council), and Steven Rangira.
This comes shortly after the arrest of other community leaders: Gilbert Oringa, Joram Oketch, and Deus Mugume (who was charged with assault, malicious damage to property and alleged robbery).
A Troubling Pattern of Intimidation
These actions form part of a wider pattern of intimidation and criminalisation against those who have spoken out about the destruction of homes, loss of property, and human rights violations during the 2023 evictions.
Our Calls to Action
We call upon the Government of Uganda and relevant authorities to:
Immediately release or grant bail to all detained community members.
End arbitrary arrests, intimidation and harassment.
Guarantee the safety of affected families.
Expedite the resolution of land disputes and compensation claims.
Fully implement commitments on resettlement and restoration of livelihoods.
Background
Between 10th and 25th February 2023, over 1,000 residents of Kapaapi Parish were violently evicted despite a court order protecting their land. Homes were destroyed, property looted, and serious human rights violations, including sexual violence, were reported.
