State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, has made an emotional U-turn, declaring he’s ready to kneel before Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi to apologise. This follows years of public spats with Buganda Kingdom over contested land issues.
While speaking at a Land Baraza in Nkokonjeru Town Council, Buikwe District, on Thursday, Mayanja addressed the crowd in a trembling voice.
“I am ready to go, kneel, and apologise to the Kabaka himself,” he said, pausing mid-speech. “But I will also ask him to chase away officials who misuse his name through the Buganda Land Board to evict people illegally.”
His comments mark a notable softening in tone, especially considering his recent legal troubles. Weeks ago, the Kabaka’s legal team threatened to sue him for defamation over comments made at a March 4th Kaazi meeting.
They claim the minister undermined lawful rulings regarding land ownership—a charge that could land him in court.
But in Buikwe, Mayanja was not backing down on his campaign against illegal land evictions. He shifted blame from the monarch himself to what he called “self-serving elements” in the Buganda Land Board who exploit royal authority for personal gain.
During the same event, the minister ordered the arrest of David Kiwanuka, a Ssi-Bukunja resident accused of illegally evicting tenants from public land.
“This land belongs to the people,” Mayanja declared. “We cannot allow individuals to use deception and power to rob ordinary Ugandans of their homes.”
He found support from Buikwe South MP Dr. Lulume Bayiga, who pressed the Lands Ministry to issue tamper-proof land titles to combat widespread forgeries and land grabbing.
Diana Mutasingwa, District Woman MP and Minister in the Vice President’s Office, didn’t mince words either. She accused some RDC office bearers of colluding with the rich to displace the poor.
“They coerce locals to surrender land with promises of titles, then deny them ownership,” Mutasingwa said. “We must protect Bibanja holders.”
However, newly appointed RDC Major David Matovu defended his team, assuring residents that today’s office is different—rooted in fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The heated forum reflects deep-rooted tensions around land administration in central Uganda.
Much of the conflict centres on land historically tied to the Buganda Kingdom, now caught in modern disputes between government, private buyers, and cultural institutions.
As Mayanja opens the door to reconciliation, many are watching to see whether Buganda will respond—and whether justice for the landless is finally within reach.
