The Appellate Court in Kampala has ruled in favor of the Kabaka of Buganda, dismissing a petition seeking to nullify the Traditional Rulers Restitution of Assets and Properties Act (TRRAP Act). Prince Harold Kalemera Kimera, a descendant of His Highness Sir Daudi Chwa II, filed the petition, claiming that the law violated his constitutional rights to property ownership.
A panel of five judges led by Justice Irene Mulyagonja dismissed the petition, stating that it did not raise any significant questions for interpretation. They further ruled that the petitioner must pay the costs of the petition to the respondents due to its improper filing.
Prince Kalemera argued that the TRRAP Act deprived him and other descendants of their rightful inheritance and sought compensation amounting to USD 60 billion. However, the court found no constitutional violations in the enactment of the law and emphasized that the alleged fraud accusations against the Kabaka were unrelated to constitutional interpretation.
In response to the ruling, Buganda’s Attorney General, Owek. Christopher Bwanika, expressed satisfaction, noting that it would deter frivolous lawsuits against the Kabaka over property ownership claims.
The ruling signifies a legal victory for the Kabaka and upholds the validity of the TRRAP Act in addressing restitution of traditional rulers’ assets and properties.
