Mbeya Residents Fear Rising Insecurity After Release of Suspected Criminal on Bail

Residents of Mbeya Island in Mukono District have called on security agencies to strengthen protection in the area following the release on bail of Jackson Ssebitosi, popularly known as Big Pig, whom they accuse of involvement in a series of violent crimes on the island.

The residents have expressed fears that Ssebitosi’s release could heighten tensions in the community, particularly amid an ongoing land dispute involving a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer, Major Mark Wanyama, and allegations of violence against residents.

Ssebitosi was recently arrested on a court order after allegedly failing to attend court proceedings in a case in which he is jointly charged with Yasin Kasirye and others with attempted murder and robbery.

He spent approximately two weeks on remand before being released on bail from Kauga Prison on Thursday. He is expected to return to the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mukono on October 7, 2026, when the case comes up for hearing.

His release has triggered protests and renewed concerns among residents, who have urged security authorities to prevent him and Kasirye from returning to the island, accusing the two of being associated with violence and intimidation in the community.

The two men are among those facing charges in connection with the alleged assault of Fredrick Namara Karuhanga in March 2023, an incident that residents say nearly claimed his life.

Namara stained with blood after he was rescued 

According to court documents and accounts from residents, Namara was allegedly brutally beaten, burnt and abandoned near the shores of Lake Victoria after sustaining severe injuries.

He was reportedly found unconscious before marine officers rescued him and rushed him to hospital, where he remained in a coma for several days before regaining consciousness.

The case, registered under court file number 1324/2023, has remained a source of tension on the island, with residents now questioning the safety of witnesses and other community members following Ssebitosi’s release.

Renewed fears over alleged history of violence

Residents say their concerns are partly rooted in an earlier case involving the death of Fred Ntambi, a fisherman who was allegedly attacked and tortured while fishing on Lake Victoria on March 22, 2023.

Ntambi was reportedly found by Good Samaritans lying in a pool of blood along the lakeshore with life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to St Bernard Clinic in Katosi, where he later died.

Ssebitosi and several other individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. Those arrested included Bernard Mateke, Abdul Ssempiira, the then Mbeya LC1 vice chairperson, Yasin Kasirye, the LC1 secretary, Richard Ngoobi, Annet Amuron, Sanyu Digonda and Abdul Mugisha.

At the time of his arrest, Ssebitosi was reportedly 28 years old.

He reportedly admitted beating Ntambi, claiming that he suspected the deceased of stealing fishing nets, but denied deliberately killing him.

The suspects were subsequently granted bail after Florence Namujju, Ntambi’s sister and a key prosecution witness, declined to continue attending court sessions.

The latest release of Ssebitosi has consequently revived concerns among residents about the handling of serious criminal cases on the island, with some alleging that suspects facing accusations of violence have continued to enjoy freedom despite the gravity of the allegations.

However, the accusations against the individuals involved in the cases remain subject to determination by the courts.

Residents raise concerns over alleged interference

Beyond the criminal proceedings, residents have raised concerns about what they describe as the influence of powerful individuals in the island’s security and land disputes.

They have particularly accused Major Wanyama, a UPDF officer involved in a long-running land ownership dispute on the island, of allegedly intervening in cases involving suspects accused of violence.

According to residents, Wanyama has repeatedly intervened in matters involving Ssebitosi, Kasirye and other individuals accused of criminal conduct.

They allege that such interventions have contributed to a climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly among residents involved in the land dispute.

One of the incidents cited by residents reportedly occurred on February 10, 2026, when Wanyama, allegedly working with police officers, caused Namara to be arrested as the case arising from his assault was due to come before court.

Namara was reportedly linked to the alleged destruction of property on Mbeya Island under police file number CRB 442/2023.

However, residents maintain that the suspects in the property destruction case were led by Juma Mukwana and others and question why Namara was implicated.

Documents cited by residents indicate that Namara had neither recorded a statement in the case nor previously interacted with police over the alleged offence. The file had reportedly been sanctioned twice before his arrest.

His arrest therefore raised questions among residents, particularly because it occurred while proceedings in the case in which he was the alleged victim were ongoing.

Residents further allege that Namara was assaulted by individuals associated with Wanyama’s camp. They also cite a televised interview in which Wanyama reportedly admitted ordering the fracas during which Namara was assaulted.

The allegations have intensified calls for security agencies to investigate claims of intimidation and ensure that criminal proceedings are not interfered with.

Seven-acre land dispute at the centre of tensions

The security concerns on Mbeya Island are closely intertwined with a long-running dispute over a seven-acre piece of land identified as Kyaggwe Block 494, Plot 9.

Documents relating to the dispute indicate that the property was purchased on November 6, 2019, by businessman Jackson Twinamasiko from Francis Tyaba, a Ugandan residing in the United States who had granted power of attorney to Joyce Lutaaya.

The transaction was reportedly valued at Shs70 million.

Twinamasiko later alleged that Lutaaya sold the same property to Major Wanyama, triggering a dispute over ownership and occupation of the land.

The businessman subsequently petitioned the UPDF and the President, alleging that Wanyama, accompanied by armed soldiers, had forcibly occupied the disputed property.

The allegations prompted investigations by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and the Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), which reportedly found Wanyama and other soldiers culpable in connection with the allegations.

The matter was subsequently referred to the UPDF Human Rights Department, where it remains pending.

An interim court order was also issued restraining interference with the disputed property as the civil suit awaits final determination.

On October 21, 2022, the Office of the Inspector General of Police instructed relevant authorities to enforce the court order. Despite reported resistance, the order was eventually implemented in January 2024.

However, the underlying civil dispute over ownership of the land remains before court.

Calls for protection of residents and witnesses

Residents say the unresolved land dispute, coupled with allegations of violence and the release of suspects facing serious criminal charges, has heightened insecurity on Mbeya Island.

They fear that the return of individuals accused of violent crimes could expose residents and witnesses to intimidation or possible retaliation, particularly those who have participated in ongoing court proceedings.

They are now urging the police, the UPDF and other relevant security agencies to intervene and ensure that residents can go about their daily activities without fear.

The residents have also called for the protection of witnesses and the independence of ongoing criminal and civil proceedings, arguing that all parties should be allowed to present their cases without intimidation or interference.

The developments have once again brought attention to the intersection of land disputes, alleged abuses of authority and criminal proceedings on Mbeya Island, where residents say prolonged disagreements have contributed to growing insecurity.

With Ssebitosi expected back in court on October 7, 2026, attention is turning to the next stage of the criminal proceedings and the measures security agencies may take to address residents’ concerns.

The criminal cases involving Ssebitosi, Kasirye and other suspects, as well as the allegations against Major Wanyama, remain subject to the relevant judicial and investigative processes. None of the allegations outlined in the disputes should be treated as established criminal liability unless determined by a competent court.