The State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, has criticized officials handling land matters in the Buganda Kingdom, accusing them of causing suffering among Ugandans through disputed land dealings.
Mayanja made the remarks during a meeting with residents of Wamala Taba village in Nansana Municipality, who have been locked in a long-standing dispute with the kingdom over land they claim to have purchased legally.
The affected residents, numbering more than 75, say they bought plots of land from Sarah Nattu, a descendant associated with the burial grounds of Kabaka Suna II.
However, they were later informed that the land belonged to the royal tombs and that plans were underway to fence off the area.
According to the residents, they were promised refunds in 2014 so they could buy land elsewhere, but up to now they have never received their money. In the meantime, they say they have been blocked from constructing houses or even pit latrines on the land.
“Our lives have become very difficult. Many of us have nowhere else to stay or grow food, yet we paid our money and we have documents to prove it,” said one of the residents during the meeting.
Led by their chairperson, Ali Bukenya, the residents said they have spent years moving from one office to another within the Buganda Kingdom seeking justice.
“We have gone to the Buganda Land Board, the Kabaka Foundation and even the Kabaka’s office at Mengo, but no help has come our way,” Bukenya said. “Many times when we reach the offices, officials hide from us until we get tired and leave.”
The Resident District Commissioner of Nansana Municipality, Charles Lwanga, told the minister that residents had previously attempted to stage protests over the matter but were dispersed.
“These residents have tried to demonstrate about their land, but they were blocked. I also attempted to engage the Buganda Kingdom authorities on their behalf, but nothing came out of the discussions,” Lwanga explained.
Addressing the meeting, Mayanja explained the historical background of Buganda land tenure and emphasized the rights of Ugandan citizens under the law.
“The Buganda Kingdom has no authority over land matters. Even if you spent all your time going to Mengo, you would not get justice from there,” Mayanja told the residents.
He further urged the kingdom to stay away from land disputes, saying such matters fall under the jurisdiction of government institutions.
“I want Buganda to leave land issues because they do not have the legal powers to handle them,” he added.
The minister then directed the residents to return to their plots and freely use them as they wish. He also instructed the RDC to ensure their security and warned that no one should attempt to evict them.
“I am directing you to go back to your land and use it the way you want. No one has the right to chase you away,” Mayanja said.
The directive was welcomed with excitement by the residents, who said they plan to return to their land, build homes and resume farming activities.
“We are very happy with the minister’s decision. Now we can go back and start building and cultivating our land,” one resident said.
