The Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has initiated legal proceedings against State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, over allegations of defamation and interference in matters concerning Kaazi land in Wakiso District. Minister Mayanja has publicly claimed that the land does not belong to the Kabaka and has instructed the Buganda Land Board (BLB) to stay away, asserting that their involvement is illegal.
The Buganda Kingdom has clarified that the 120-acre Kaazi land was allocated to the Bassekabaka (former kings) in 1948 for their royal activities. However, the land was never granted permission to be sold or subdivided. This position was reaffirmed by the High Court in 2020 during a case involving Prince Henry Kalemera Kimera and others, who also contested the Kabaka’s ownership of the land.
The Kingdom’s Attorney General, Hon. Christopher Bwanika, stated that all individuals holding land titles on the property are in illegal possession, as the Commissioner of Lands had previously canceled the titles. He urged those affected to visit Mengo for further clarification.
During a press briefing at Bulange Mengo, Hon. Bwanika accused Minister Mayanja of misleading the public for personal gain. He called on the people of Buganda to remain vigilant and not be swayed by individuals seeking to undermine the Kingdom’s authority.
Denis Bugaya, the legal advisor and spokesperson for the Buganda Land Board, questioned Minister Mayanja’s understanding of the law, given his actions. Bugaya assured the public that the Kingdom has solid evidence to support its case and will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone undermining the Kabaka’s authority.
Bugaya further clarified that the Kingdom will not tolerate any actions that undermine the Kabaka’s authority or the Kingdom’s legal rights. He reiterated that the Buganda Land Board operates within the law and will continue to protect the Kingdom’s interests.
