Kampala, Uganda. Mounting tension continues to simmer between the Buganda Kingdom and the central government of Uganda, as concerns intensify over the latter’s prolonged occupation of Buganda properties without compensation. According to the current Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Rt. Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, the government’s debt to the kingdom has ballooned to 529.7 billion Ugandan shillings.
The properties in question, ranging from administrative buildings to expansive land holdings, have been under the control of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for decades. Despite repeated appeals and negotiations, there has been little to no tangible progress toward restitution or reimbursement, raising alarm within the kingdom and beyond.
“This is not just a matter of unpaid rent. It is a matter of justice and respect,” Hon. Ssenyonyi stated, addressing the press earlier this week. “The Buganda Kingdom has shown patience, but the government’s continued reluctance raises serious questions about its intentions. Has it, in effect, confiscated Buganda's properties?”
The Buganda Kingdom is the largest and most historically significant traditional monarchy in Uganda. It is home to the country’s capital, Kampala, and plays a critical cultural and socio-political role in national affairs. Yet, recent remarks from government officials, some of which have been recorded, have been viewed as dismissive, even disrespectful, toward the kingdom and its leadership.
Prominent ministers have, in various public addresses, downplayed the importance of settling the issue, further fueling suspicions among Buganda loyalists that the state may be deliberately undermining the kingdom’s status and claims. Such sentiments have sparked public outcry and revived calls for accountability.
In previous agreements, the government committed to returning assets seized during the post-independence political upheavals and subsequent regime changes. While a few properties have been handed back over the years, a significant portion remains in state hands, with no clear roadmap for restitution or payment.
Cultural leaders and political analysts warn that continued neglect could erode public trust and exacerbate tensions between the central government and the traditional institution.
“The Buganda Kingdom is not just a cultural entity; it is a cornerstone of Uganda’s history and identity,” said one political analyst. “Ignoring its rightful claims is not only unjust, it risks destabilizing the unity we strive to maintain as a nation.”
As the public and Buganda Kingdom await a clear response from the government, many are watching closely to see whether this decades-long dispute will finally be addressed with the seriousness and respect it deserves.