Kabaka of Buganda Takes Legal Action Against Minister Sam Mayanja Over Kaazi Land Dispute

 Kabaka of Buganda Takes Legal Action Against Minister Sam Mayanja Over Kaazi Land Dispute

Bulange, Mengo (UG): The Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has instructed his legal team to pursue legal action against the Minister of State for Lands, Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja, over his controversial remarks and actions concerning the disputed Kaazi land. The Kingdom accuses the minister of flouting court rulings and overstepping his authority, particularly in relation to the registration status of Buganda Land Board.

At a press conference held this morning at Bulange, Mengo, the Buganda Kingdom’s Attorney General, Mr. Christopher Bwanika, condemned Dr. Mayanja’s interference in the Kaazi land issue. Specifically, the minister had issued orders to the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to deregister Buganda Land Board, which manages the land on behalf of the Kabaka. Bwanika called the minister’s actions "contemptuous" and warned of imminent legal proceedings.

"The Kingdom of Buganda has instructed its external lawyers to take legal action against Dr. Mayanja’s actions and statements, particularly those made during a meeting on March 4, 2025, regarding Kaazi land," Bwanika stated.

The disputed Kaazi land, located in Block 273, Plot 5, has a complex history dating back to the 1900 Agreement. Originally part of the 350 acres allocated to the Kabaka under the agreement, it was first titled in 1923. The land was held in trust for the Kingdom by successive Kabakas, including the current monarch, His Majesty Kabaka Mutebi II.

Bwanika clarified that the land has always been owned by the Kingdom of Buganda, not by any individual Kabaka. "Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa II did not own the land personally; it was held in his capacity as the King of Buganda. This land has been passed down through successive monarchs, and is now held by Kabaka Mutebi II," he explained.

In 1948, the land was leased to the Uganda Scouts Association by Kabaka Edward Muteesa II for a 49-year term for scouting and camping. However, after the abolition of the kingdoms in 1967, the Ugandan government took control of the land. In 1993, under the Traditional Rulers (Restitution of Assets and Properties) Act, the land was returned to the Kabaka. The Buganda Land Board was then tasked with managing the property.

Bwanika further stated that the Uganda Land Commission and the Scouts Association acted unlawfully by creating unauthorized subleases without the Kabaka’s approval. Following legal intervention, these illegal leases were annulled.

The Kingdom’s claim to the land was solidified in 2020 when the Kabaka won a court case against Prince Kalemeera and others, who had falsely claimed ownership of the land. “As affirmed by the court, the land rightfully belongs to the Kabaka. Any contrary claims are baseless,” Bwanika added.

Buganda Land Board spokesperson, Mr. Denis Bugaya, was equally outspoken, questioning Minister Mayanja’s legal knowledge and his authority to make such decisions. Bugaya made it clear that Buganda Kingdom has completed all preparations to file a lawsuit against the minister for abuse of office, arguing that Mayanja’s actions were a clear violation of both the law and the court’s ruling.

"For the first time in Buganda’s modern history, we are taking Minister Sam Mayanja to court in his personal capacity. We believe we have a strong case against him for abuse of office and for issuing illegal orders to his subordinates," Bugaya asserted.

The Kingdom of Buganda has made it clear that it will not tolerate any actions that undermine its legal rights and will take all necessary steps to defend its land and sovereignty.