UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Kayunga Town Council in Kayunga District is facing uncertainty over land ownership after a family claiming rightful ownership of the property issued a 14-day ultimatum.
The dispute concerns land on which the council offices, the Kayunga Youth Centre, and the Police Fire Station are located. This issue has brought the administration of Kayunga Town Council into consultations with various stakeholders to resolve the impasse.
The contested property comprises Block 123, Plots 3243, 3248, 3260, and 3254, located in Kayunga-Bugerere. The late Paul Mukasa Kalya’s family, represented by Ssebbowa and Company Advocates, claims ownership of the land.
On October 10, the family issued a demand for UGX 300 million as reimbursement for expenses allegedly incurred in processing the land’s certificate of title.
The family has also offered to transfer the certificate of title to Kayunga Town Council if the payment is made within 30 days. The council has been given a 14-day period to respond to the offer.
In a letter to the Kayunga Town Clerk, Ms. Faridah Kulabako, the family’s lawyer stated: “As you are no doubt aware, Kayunga Town Council offices, former Kayunga Sub-County offices, Kayunga Youth Centre, and the Police Fire Station are situated on our client’s land.”
The letter further explained the terms under which the council could obtain ownership of the land, including the payment and provision of duly executed transfer forms.
The ownership battle over the land has persisted for five years between the late Kalya’s family and the Buganda Kingdom.
Locals had long believed that the property belonged to the Buganda Kingdom, as it housed old structures associated with the kingdom. However, in 2020, the Kalya family presented a land title claiming ownership.
This claim has sparked debate and consultations among local authorities and kingdom officials.
Kayunga Town Council’s acting mayor, Mr. David Kavuma, expressed shock over the claim, stating: “We were shocked to learn that the land on which the council offices are situated doesn’t belong to the Kabaka.”
The council is currently in consultation with Bugerere County officials representing the Kabaka to verify the situation.
Mr. Kavuma also noted that the UGX 300 million demand was substantial, prompting further deliberations on the council’s next steps.
Town Clerk Ms. Kulabako confirmed that technical consultations with the Attorney General and Solicitor General are underway for guidance on how to proceed. She remained optimistic about reaching an amicable resolution to the issue.
Kayunga District Chairperson, Mr. Andrew Muwonge, urged the town council to act swiftly to protect the property from potential loss.
The Kalya family has distributed copies of the land title to key parties, including the district authorities, police, and Buganda Kingdom officials. This action has intensified scrutiny of the land’s ownership and heightened the urgency to resolve the matter.
The Buganda Kingdom, through its Local Government Minister, Mr. Joseph Kawuki, has reiterated its stance against land grabbing. Mr. Kawuki recently cautioned area residents against encroaching on Kabaka’s land.
The property in question has long been believed to belong to the Buganda Kingdom. However, in 2020, the Kalya family emerged with documentation to support its ownership claim.
The land includes various structures, such as the Kayunga Town Council offices and other facilities, which are integral to local governance and services.
The dispute over the Kayunga Town Council land remains unresolved as consultations with legal and kingdom authorities continue.
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