The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has instructed his legal team to take legal action against the Minister of State for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, over his remarks and actions regarding Kaazi land.
In a statement, Buganda’s Attorney General, Christopher Bwanika, condemned Mayanja’s recent directive to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to deregister the Buganda Land Board (BLB), which manages the Kabaka’s land. Bwanika described the move as “contempt of court and a violation of the law,” confirming that legal action would be taken against the minister.
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“The Kingdom of Buganda has directed its legal representatives to challenge Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja’s declarations, statements, and actions, including those made at the March 4, 2025, meeting at Kaazi,” Bwanika stated.
The disputed land, located on Block 273, Plot 5, has historical significance. It was part of the 350 acres allocated to the Kabaka under the 1900 Agreement, with its first title registered in 1923 under then-Kabaka Daudi Chwa II. The land has since been passed down through successive Kabakas, with Bwanika emphasizing that it has always been held in an official capacity rather than as personal property.
In 1948, Kabaka Edward Muteesa II leased the land to the Uganda Scouts Association for 49 years for scouting and camping activities. However, when the central government abolished kingdoms in 1967, the land was seized and placed under the Uganda Land Commission. It was officially returned to the Kabaka in 1993 under the Traditional Rulers (Restitution of Assets and Properties) Act and is currently managed by BLB.
Bwanika asserted that both the Uganda Land Commission and the Scouts Association unlawfully created subleases without the Kabaka’s consent. He noted that a previous petition led to the cancellation of these illegal lease titles. Furthermore, in a 2020 court ruling, the Kabaka successfully defended his ownership against claims from Prince Kalemeera and others, with the court reaffirming his rightful ownership.
Buganda Land Board spokesperson Denis Bugaya questioned Mayanja’s legal understanding and accused him of making misleading statements despite a court ruling settling the dispute. Bugaya confirmed that preparations for legal proceedings against Mayanja were complete, stating that for the first time in modern Buganda Kingdom history, they would be suing the minister in his personal capacity for abuse of office and issuing illegal directives.
“We will not allow individuals like Mayanja to mislead the Kabaka’s subjects,” Bugaya said, affirming the kingdom’s commitment to upholding its legal rights.
The lawsuit seeks to challenge Mayanja’s actions and secure legal protection for the Kaazi land, which remains part of the 350 acres allocated to the Kabaka under the 1900 Agreement.
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