{UAH} Land ownership in Buganda needs comprehensive review

Before the 1900 Uganda Agreement signed by Sir Harry Johnston on behalf of Britain and the regents on behalf of Buganda land belonged to all the people of Buganda. The Kabaka and Bataka served as trustees to ensure that everyone had equal access to the use of the land.

The 1900 Agreement changed all that. Half the land became Crown land and the other half was distributed by the Lukiiko to the Kabaka and his relatives, regents and 4000 chiefs and some notables, thereby introducing freehold to a few people and dispossessing the rest that became tenants.

In the interest of justice to all Baganda, land ownership review should start before the 1900 Agreement otherwise colonial injustice will be maintained. The timing of return of the land this week seems to be connected with the 2016 elections just as the return of kingdoms in 1993 was linked to the renewal of NRM government that was uncertain at that time.

Eric