Masaka – A tour driver, Ali Wamala, was brutally attacked by security operatives on Thursday evening in Nyendo, Masaka, under circumstances he believes are connected to an ongoing land dispute case.
Wamala, who was driving tourists to Kampala at the time, said his vehicle was suddenly blocked and he was forcefully removed and beaten by individuals he claims were operating from what he described as a “castle or layer.”
According to Wamala, as the attackers assaulted him, they accused him of introducing white tourists to local youth for alleged homosexual gatherings. However, he insists these claims were merely a cover-up and not the true reason behind the attack.
“The real reason I was targeted is because of a past land wrangle case in the Mbarara court, which involves a well-known tycoon closely connected to this government,” Wamala told this publication. “They want to silence me because I’ve been using my small earnings from the tourist taxi business to support the legal case.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that Wamala was ambushed, severely beaten until he lost consciousness, and his vehicle was vandalized during the incident. He believes the attackers’ true intention was not only to damage his car but to end his life and stop his involvement in the court case.
Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter. The incident has sparked concern among residents and human rights observers over the alleged misuse of security forces to settle personal or political scores.
Investigations are ongoing.
