Prince Nakibinge calls for dialogue on proposed land regulations

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the Titular Head of the Muslim Community in Uganda has asked the government to consider dialogue on the proposed new regulations on ownership and management of land.

Nakibinge while delivering his Eid al-Adha message on Tuesday to the Muslim community at his Palace in Kibuli, said that the new amendment will not help to solve the pending land problems in the country, but will cause more problems.

Early this year, the government through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development unveiled proposals of new regulations and laws on ownership and management of land, especially in Buganda. The then Minister of Lands, Beti Kamya said that these were intended to protect bibanja holders and bonafide occupants from being arbitrarily evicted.

President Yoweri Museveni also during the 32nd Heroes Day celebrations at Kololo Independence grounds last month described Mailo land as a very bad and evil tenure system used in the Buganda Kingdom.

Prince Nakibinge noted that the problem is not about the mailo land, but people who are forcing people off the land.

He said that parliament needs to consider revisiting the Land Act and ensure that it addresses the increasing land grabbing.

On Monday, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II appealed to the Muslim faithful to pray for God’s mercy against the ill intentions of people targeting Kingdom property.

The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga also warned the government against interpreting the country’s land issues in political terms.

Nakibinge also condemned the continued torture and abuse of human rights by security personnel.

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