Kayunga Town authorities are planning to pay UGX 450 million to the family of the late Malachi Kalya for the land hosting the town council offices. This move has sparked a clash between local leaders and Buganda Kingdom officials in Kayunga District, potentially resulting in Buganda Kingdom losing control over a significant piece of land.
Ms. Faridah Kulabako, the Kayunga Town Clerk, disclosed that the payment aims to obtain a title for the land where the urban council has been situated for over 45 years. The disputed land, adjacent to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, has long been a point of contention between Buganda Kingdom and the family of the late Kalya, who was a Mengo chief in Bugerere County.
Despite Buganda Kingdom’s claim of ownership, backed by structures constructed in the 1930s for Mumyuka sub-county headquarters, the technical land survey report from Kayunga District surveyor asserts the land belongs to the late Kalya’s family. The town council intends to proceed with the payment based on this report, as confirmed by Ms. Kulabako, who stated that the Solicitor General is handling the matter, and payment will be made upon receiving his advice.
Ms. Kulabako expressed concerns that failure to pay could lead to the family selling the land and demanding the removal of existing structures. On the other hand, Mr. James Ssempigga, the Kabaka’s chief in charge of Bugerere County, insisted that the land belongs to Buganda Kingdom, cautioning against purchasing land from unscrupulous sources.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the town council aims to reclaim the contested land, as Ms. Margaret Ssempala, the Mumyuka sub-county chief, highlighted their success in recovering the Mumyuka sub-county headquarters previously held by the late Kalya’s family. The land dispute’s resolution, according to Mr. Abdul Batambuze, the Kayunga chief administrative officer, followed a survey that established and opened the boundaries of the contested piece of land.