Deputy RDC Majambere turns to blackmail to shield from theft charges

KAMPALA. Deputy RDC Ivan Ssemakula (Majambere) faced with land grabbing, theft, and abuse of office allegations has been accused of intimidating probes after a viral video showing him appealing to President Museveni, alleging persecution by anti-corruption authorities.

In a video circulating on social media, Majembere donning an NRM t-shirt is crying out to President Museveni asking for his intervention as he alleges witch-hunt by the State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) who are investigating him.

”He is trying to hide behind blackmail. After his arrest last year. There are a lot of new cases coming up against him which are still under investigations,” an official from SH-ACU headed by Brig Henry Isoke said on Wednesday.

Majambere was charged in connection with a high-profile land dispute in Gomba District last year. The case, investigated by Uganda’s State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), centers on allegations of illegal land occupation, theft, and fraud involving a 300-acre farmland legally owned by 75-year-old Frank Rushanganwa since 2003.

According to official complaints filed in 2023, Majambere and associates allegedly forcibly seized Rushanganwa’s property (Block 75, Plot 2) and stole 157 cattle valued at UGX 318 million (≈$85,000), later moving the livestock to undisclosed locations.

Majambere reportedly claimed partial ownership through a disputed 2020 transaction with co-accused Amos Mwesigye, who himself alleged purchasing the land in 2018 but failed to provide documentation. Authorities assert that the duo further subdivided and sold portions of the contested land to unsuspecting buyers to cement their control.

Majambere was arraigned in Gomba Magistrates’ Court in August 2024, facing charges of conspiracy, criminal trespass, and theft.

However, since his court appearance, he has publicly accused the SH-ACU of misconduct, using social and mainstream media to allege persecution. Investigators dismiss these claims as attempts to discredit the case, emphasizing that evidence—including Rushanganwa’s valid land title—supports the charges.

Land disputes remain a pervasive issue in Uganda, often entangled with corruption and power imbalances.

Majambere’s position as a presidential appointee overseeing local governance has drawn scrutiny to the case, with critics citing broader concerns about officials abusing authority. While the accused denies wrongdoing, the court has yet to rule on the merits of the allegations.

Majambere remains embroiled in legal battles, with the next hearing pending. The SH-ACU has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice, stating, “No individual is above the law.”

Meanwhile, Rushanganwa, represented by legal advocates, seeks restitution for his losses and protection from further harassment. Claims of persecution by Majambere remain unproved.