Retired Brigadier-General Emmanuel Rwashande has strongly condemned moneylenders who confiscate land from borrowers who fail to repay loans, warning that the practice is illegal, exploitative and a major threat to family welfare in rural communities.

Rwashande made the remarks while speaking to residents during a thanksgiving ceremony in Lwemiyaga, organised to celebrate his recent victory in parliamentary elections. He said the growing trend of land seizure by loan sharks has caused immense hardship and vowed to take firm action against those involved.

According to Rwashande, land is a shared family asset that cannot legally be taken by individuals seeking to recover unpaid loans. He emphasised that while lenders may recover movable property, seizing land destroys families and livelihoods and must be stopped.

He noted that land remains the primary source of income, shelter and identity for many households, especially in rural areas. Allowing moneylenders to grab land, he warned, deepens poverty, increases homelessness and fuels conflicts within communities.

Rwashande said protecting ordinary citizens from economic exploitation would be a key priority of his leadership, particularly shielding vulnerable families from individuals who prey on poverty and desperation to acquire land unlawfully.

The legislator-elect also issued a warning to village chairpersons and other local leaders against abusing government stamps and authority to endorse fraudulent land deals. He cautioned that public offices must not be used for personal gain, stressing that government stamps belong to the state, not individuals.

He added that corruption at the grassroots level erodes public trust in leadership and weakens service delivery, urging village leaders to always act in the interest of the communities they represent.

Residents who attended the function welcomed Rwashande’s firm position, saying land grabbing by moneylenders has become increasingly common in the area, often leaving families landless, homeless and impoverished.

Rwashande concluded by assuring the public that he would work closely with relevant authorities to enforce the law and ensure that vulnerable families are protected from exploitation and illegal land confiscation.