Buganda Assures Settlers On Kabaka's Land

By Josephine Maseruka Buganda Kingdom first deputy Katikkiro Godfrey Kaaya Kavuma has assured people who settled or operate on Kabaka's land that they will neither be chased away nor mistreated by the Buganda Land Board (BLB). He stated, "I want to assure all people on Kabaka's land that the Kabaka loves you all and will never chase you off his land." He was speaking yesterday at the inauguration of the two BLB offices at Ggulu and Kasawo in Kyaggwe County (sazza) in Mukono district. Kavuma, who is also the Minister for Land, Property and Buganda Land Board, advised settlers to acquire leases from the BLB so that they can get land titles to apply for bank loans. The function was attended by the Speaker of the Lukiiko, Sheikh Kulumba, the Minister of Information, Tucker Lwanga, the sazza chief of Kyaggwe Ssekiboobo David Ssekindi, the Mayor of Mukono, Muyanja Ssenyonga and BLB officials Michael Ssozi and Mukasa Matte. Kavuma said that they had established offices in Kyaggwe because half of the 350 sq. miles returned to Kabaka is there. He asked local council officials to desist from conflicting with the BLB area officials but to co-operate as their roles are complimentary. Kavuma said members to serve on the area BLB were to be appointed soon on advice of the sazza chief. Kavuma urged BLB officials not to mistreat wananchi but to help identify natural resources on the Kabaka's land. He also told them to sensitise the population on the intentions of BLB. Kavuma said the area offices were to carry out a census of the population in the area and to identify the natural resources like forests, lakes and rivers from which revenue can be collected. They will also list the firms on the land, including factories. BLB area offices will handle leases and land disputes before referring them to the BLB. Ends