By Our Reporter
The Buganda Kingdom has announced its decision to initiate legal proceedings against the Minister of State for Lands, Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja, accusing him of undermining the authority of traditional institutions and violating court orders in an escalating dispute over the Kaazi land.
This move, directed by His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, comes as the Kingdom asserts its autonomy in managing its historic land rights and protecting its institutions from what it terms unlawful government interference.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Bulange, Mengo, Buganda’s Attorney General, Mr. Christopher Bwanika, condemned Minister Mayanja’s continued involvement in the Kaazi land saga. The minister is accused of ignoring court rulings and issuing unilateral directives that the Kingdom views as both contemptuous of the judiciary and a direct attack on Buganda’s self-governance.
“The Kingdom of Buganda has instructed its external legal team to commence proceedings against Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja for his statements, actions, and directives,” Bwanika stated.
“His behavior demonstrates not only a blatant disregard for court judgments but also a worrying encroachment on the rights of a legally recognized traditional institution.”
A Historic Land Dispute Resurfaces
At the heart of the controversy lies Block 273, Plot 5, a 350-acre parcel of land at Kaazi, which has a complicated history stretching back to the 1900 Buganda Agreement between the Kingdom and the British colonial administration. The land was formally registered in 1923 under Kabaka Chwa II, not as personal property, but in his official capacity as the sovereign ruler of Buganda.
For years, the land was leased to the Uganda Scouts Association for camping and scouting activities. However, following the abolition of kingdoms in 1967 and the nationalization of their assets, the Kaazi land was taken over by the central government before eventually being returned to the Kabaka in 1993 through the Traditional Rulers (Restitution of Assets and Properties) Act.
Despite the legal restitution of the land to the Kingdom, Buganda leaders allege that both the Uganda Land Commission and the Uganda Scouts Association have issued illegal subleases on the land without the consent of the Kabaka. These actions have sparked years of legal battles aimed at restoring the Kingdom’s control over its heritage.
In 2020, the courts ruled in favor of the Kabaka against claimants, including Prince Kalemeera, affirming Buganda’s legal ownership of the contested land. Yet, Minister Mayanja’s subsequent directives to deregister the Buganda Land Board—the institution mandated to manage the Kingdom’s land—have reignited tensions.
The Case For Legal Accountability
The Kingdom argues that Hon. Mayanja’s recent actions, including his directive to the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), not only ignore binding court rulings but also threaten the integrity of the Kingdom’s governance structures.
Mr. Denis Bugaya, spokesperson for the Buganda Land Board, stressed that Minister Mayanja’s actions represent an abuse of office.
“We are taking him to court in his individual capacity,” Bugaya declared.
“Public officials must be held accountable when they attempt to undermine institutions that have been recognized by law.”
Bugaya further argued that the Minister’s declarations are misleading the Kabaka’s subjects, creating unnecessary public confusion over legitimate land ownership.
The Kingdom’s legal team asserts that the Kaazi land issue is not just a legal dispute over property, but part of a broader defense of Buganda’s sovereignty over its cultural and historical assets.
“We believe we have sufficient evidence to hold the Minister accountable for his conduct,” Bugaya confirmed.
“This lawsuit will send a clear message: the Kingdom of Buganda will vigorously protect its rights, its people, and its governance structures from any unlawful encroachment.”
Attorney General Bwanika reiterated that Buganda’s actions are rooted in the principle of respect for the rule of law.
“We are committed to seeking justice through the courts,” he said. “We are simply asking for the enforcement of the law and respect for the court decisions that have already established the rightful ownership of this land.”
As the Kingdom proceeds with legal action, its leaders have urged the central government to refrain from interfering in matters that have already been settled by Uganda’s judicial system.
The unfolding legal battle over Kaazi land signals a critical moment for relations between traditional institutions and the state, raising broader questions about land rights, cultural autonomy, and the role of government officials in upholding legal norms.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Email: swiftnewsug@gmail.com
