Last week in Kayunga Town, tension rose as gunmen, along with members of the late Malaki Kalya’s family, held Kabaka’s chiefs at gunpoint. They uprooted around 1,000 young trees planted by kingdom officials at Mumyuka sub-county headquarters.
The dispute over a prime land parcel between Buganda Kingdom and the late Kalya’s family continues. Both parties claim ownership of the one-acre land next to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital and Kayunga police station. The conflict, ongoing for three years, led Kayunga District authorities to intervene, ruling in favor of the late Kalya’s family.
Acting Kabaka chief for Bugerere County, Mr Bashir Ziraba, Kayunga District chairman Mr Andrew Muwone, and Ms Margaret Ssempala, the Mumyuka sub-county chief, joined forces on Thursday to replant the uprooted trees.
Mr Ziraba expressed surprise at the family’s claim to the land, emphasizing the historical presence of the Mumyuka sub-county structures built by the Mengo administration in the 1930s. He questioned the use of government guns in the conflict and called for an explanation from the government.
The perpetrators have faced legal action, and Mr Ziraba refuted claims that Mengo lacked the land title. Kayunga District’s Mr Andrew Muwonge condemned the tree uprooting as demeaning to Kabaka and the cultural institution. He urged the police to update on actions taken against those responsible.
Denying State House involvement, Mr Muwonge called on the police to clarify steps taken against the tree destroyers. Paul Mukasa, the administrator of late Kalya’s estate, asserted resistance against Mengo’s land claim, vowing to uproot the replanted trees.
Kayunga District Police commander, Ms Rosette Sikahwa, disclosed ongoing police investigations into reports that the gunmen were security personnel from an undisclosed agency. She appealed for a peaceful resolution or legal redress from the warring parties.
