Buganda king Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has claimed that enemies of the monarchy are planning to pass laws to steal its land and other properties, and make other ethnic groups hate the Baganda.
In his Eid al-Adha message to Muslims in his kingdom, the Kabaka solicited prayers against Buganda’s enemies.
“We appeal to all believers participating in this animal sacrifice to do it with a purpose of beseeching God to save us, have mercy on us, and continue blocking all paths and voices targeting our properties, especially ownership of land in a move to undermine and create hatred for Buganda in various ways,” said the Kabaka ahead of Eid Al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice when Muslims celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice to Allah.
A few months ago, President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni criticised Mengo’s Mailo land tenure system, saying it needed to be reformed to give occupants full ownership rights.
But Buganda prime minister Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga fired back at the president.
“The truth is that it’s not the Mailo land system that is causing the problem because we have witnessed development in Uganda since the Mailo land system was introduced,” said Katikkiro Mayiga.
“Land problems started around the 1990’s and 2000’s and if they are addressed, there should be no problem at all.”
Part of the solution, Mayiga further explained, lies in punishing powerful gun-wielding land grabbers, streamlining all land offices to weed out issuance of several land titles and certificates for the same piece of land,
empowering the Land Protection Unit of Uganda Police and land courts.
Meanwhile, the Kabaka also urged Muslims to pray for Parliament so that MPs would be compelled to make laws that punish certain ethnic groups, religions or people of differing political ideologies.
He also requested for prayers for the country’s judicial branch of government.
“In the same manner, continue praying to Allah for justice and speedy investigations in regard to cases against nationals suspected to be on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
“This will help courts of law to determine cases in time, apprehend wrongdoers and release the innocent. And the courts should also exercise independence in determining cases based on evidence, law and truth.’
