The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has instructed his legal team to initiate legal proceedings against the Minister of State for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, over remarks and actions related to Kaazi land.
In a statement issued by Buganda’s Attorney General, Christopher Bwanika, the kingdom strongly condemned Mayanja’s directive to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to deregister the Buganda Land Board (BLB), which manages the Kabaka’s land.
Bwanika described the minister’s actions as a violation of legal procedures and an act of contempt, stating that the Kabaka’s legal team would challenge the minister’s declarations and decisions in court.
“The Kingdom of Buganda has instructed its legal representatives to take action against Dr. Sam Mayanja over his statements and directives, including those made during the March 4, 2025, meeting at Kaazi,” Bwanika said.
The contested land, registered as Block 273, Plot 5, has a long historical connection to the Buganda Kingdom. It was originally designated as part of the 350 acres assigned to the Kabaka under the 1900 Buganda Agreement. The land title was formally issued in 1923 and registered under the then-Kabaka, Daudi Chwa II. However, the land was never regarded as his personal property but as a holding of the Buganda Kingdom.
Over the years, the land was passed down to subsequent Kabakas, including Edward Muteesa II, before being inherited by the current Kabaka, Mutebi II. In 1948, Muteesa II leased the land to the Uganda Scouts Association for 49 years, exclusively for scouting activities.
However, when the central government abolished traditional kingdoms in 1967, the land was taken over and placed under the Uganda Land Commission. It was eventually returned to the Kabaka in 1993 following the enactment of the Traditional Rulers (Restitution of Assets and Properties) Act. Since then, the Buganda Land Board has been responsible for its management.
Bwanika emphasized that the Kabaka had previously contested and successfully overturned unauthorized lease transactions involving the land. Following legal proceedings, the Commissioner of Land Registration nullified the fraudulent lease titles, affirming the Kabaka’s rightful ownership.
The matter was further settled in 2020 when the Kabaka won a legal case against individuals, including Prince Kalemeera, who falsely laid claim to the land. “The court ruled in favor of the Kabaka, confirming that he is the rightful owner,” Bwanika stated.
Buganda Land Board spokesperson Denis Bugaya criticized Mayanja’s handling of the issue, accusing him of knowingly disregarding court rulings. Bugaya confirmed that all preparations for the legal action against Mayanja had been completed, adding that the kingdom had enough evidence to hold him accountable.
“For the first time in Buganda’s modern history, we are pursuing legal action against Dr. Sam Mayanja in his personal capacity. We believe he has misused his office and issued unlawful directives,” Bugaya remarked.
He reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and warned against misleading statements aimed at confusing the public about the land’s ownership.
As the case proceeds, the Buganda Kingdom remains firm in its position that Kaazi land legally belongs to the Kabaka and will continue to resist any attempts to undermine its ownership.
