The Buganda Kingdom has intervened in a land dispute between Major General Elly Kayanja and leaders of the Mpologoma (Lion) clan, a conflict that has delayed the burial of the clan’s head, Wilson Ndawula Namuguzi Ssebuganda, who passed away on August 14.

The body has remained at a funeral home in Kampala as the dispute over the land, located at Lwadda Hill in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, remains unresolved.

The one-square-mile plot of land is at the center of the dispute, with the Mpologoma clan accusing Gen. Kayanja of hindering their access to the ancestral grounds where clan members are traditionally buried.

According to John Patrick Kisekka, the Mpologoma clan premier, Gen. Kayanja has previously blocked the clan from preparing the land for burial-related activities, including clearing space for parking and constructing traditional structures.

Gen. Kayanja claims ownership of 25 acres within the contested area, citing a lease granted by the Buganda Land Board (BLB). However, Mr. Kisekka and the clan leaders do not recognize this lease, arguing that it infringes on their ancestral rights.

In a recent meeting held at Bulange-Mengo, the seat of the Buganda Kingdom, a resolution was reached under the chairmanship of Buganda Kingdom Attorney Christopher Bwanika. The meeting, which included key figures such as Owek. David Mpanga, Minister for Lands & Properties, and Anthony Wamala, Minister for Heritage, Palaces, Tombs, Tourism, and Security, resulted in an agreement to proceed with the burial.

Mr. Kisekka announced that the burial of the clan head will take place on Saturday, following Gen. Kayanja’s agreement to respect the burial plans and not interfere. While Gen. Kayanja has declined to comment further on the dispute, leaving the matter to the Buganda Kingdom officials, spokesperson Israel Kazibwe confirmed that discussions are ongoing to find a peaceful resolution.

Previously, Gen. Kayanja had offered six acres of the disputed land to the Mpologoma clan, but this offer was rejected. The clan remains firm in its demand to reclaim all 25 acres leased to Gen. Kayanja.

The Mpologoma clan is one of the 52 clans that form the foundation of the Buganda Kingdom, and the resolution of this dispute is seen as crucial to maintaining harmony within the Kingdom.