Kabaka Mutebi II's 33-Year Reign: Reclaiming and Developing Buganda's Land

Since his coronation in 1993, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has presided over a remarkable resurgence of Buganda Kingdom’s land assets. Ascending the throne after traditional kingdoms were stripped of their properties in 1966, the Kabaka has focused on reclaiming and revitalizing these ancestral lands.

The journey began with the enactment of the Traditional Rulers (Restitution of Assets and Properties) Act in 1993, paving the way for negotiations that led to the return of iconic properties like Mengo Palace and Bulange, alongside approximately 350 square miles of land.

Further restitution occurred in 2003 with Jjeza Farm and in 2006 with the former State Lodge at Makindye. A significant agreement in 2013 between Kabaka Mutebi II and President Museveni resulted in the return of additional county headquarters, administrative land, and urban properties.

Beyond recovery, the Buganda Land Board’s Kyapa Mu Ngalo program has empowered thousands of Bibanja holders, enhancing land tenure security and reducing disputes. Proceeds from these lands have funded vital community projects, including hospitals and educational scholarships.

Despite these successes, Buganda Kingdom continues negotiations with the central government over remaining properties and significant outstanding ground rent, estimated to be over UGX 200 billion. Discussions are ongoing, with optimism for further restitution through dialogue.

Today, the Kingdom directly manages about 100 square miles of land, fostering development and providing secure tenure for thousands, demonstrating a transformation from lost assets to a vital resource for Buganda’s future.

Source: Nile Post