The Cultural and Traditional Affairs Council of the Buganda Kingdom has conducted an inspection tour of key cultural heritage sites across Buluuli and Bulemeezi counties in a move aimed at safeguarding kingdom property and addressing rising concerns over land ownership disputes.
The council visited four major heritage sites, including the ancestral grounds of Jjajja Bulamu at Nakatoogo Lwabiyata, the palace of Kabaka Daudi Chwa at Kyampisi Kapeeka, the Bamunaanika ancestral site, and Mayiro ya Katebe in Kibanga.
All these sites are located within Bulemeezi County and hold significant historical and cultural importance to the kingdom.
Leading the delegation was the council chairperson and head of the Prince’s Clan lineage, Ssaalongo Luwangula Basajjansolo.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess how these cultural sites are being managed and to clarify land ownership issues surrounding them.
Ssaalongo Luwangula said the tour was intended “to assess how these sites are managed and to guide on the ownership of the land on which they sit.”
The inspection follows reports that certain individuals are attempting to illegally claim ownership of land where some of the heritage sites are located.
In response, the kingdom has stepped in to investigate the matter and resolve the disputes.
Ssaalongo Luwangula strongly criticized individuals seeking personal gain from kingdom land, emphasizing that decisive action will be taken to establish proper ownership and resolve any disputes affecting the sites.
At the Bamunaanika site, caretaker Choltilda Nakku Babirye expressed fear and distress over ongoing conflicts regarding land ownership, saying the disputes have caused her significant anxiety and placed her safety at risk.
In response, Ssaalongo Luwangula reassured local residents that the Bamunaanika palace will be officially recognized as property of the Kabaka.
Plans are underway to install clear signage and undertake developments that reflect the site’s cultural and historical identity. A support committee will also be established to assist the caretaker and ease her responsibilities.
Caretakers across the inspected sites also voiced frustration over increasing cases of land encroachment, accusing some individuals of exploiting legal loopholes and, in some cases, receiving backing from security personnel.
The Cultural Council has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Buganda’s cultural heritage and ensuring that all kingdom land is preserved for future generations.