Isabaruuli Calls for Presidential Action on Nakasongola Land Conflicts
The cultural leader of Buruuli Chiefdom, Isabaruuli Isabarabrongo Mutyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya, has called on the government to urgently address the pressing issue of land grabbing that has displaced many of his people, leaving them in dire conditions.
Speaking during his 20th coronation anniversary on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Kaalemere Ka Nyamusumba Palace in Nakasongola Town Council, Isabaruuli emphasized the need for decisive action, particularly in resolving disputes surrounding the eight-square-mile Kyarubanga Forest Reserve.
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This land, which spans four sub-counties—Lwabiyata, Nabiswera, Wabinyonyi, and Lwampanga—has been at the center of a long-standing conflict involving old settlers, new occupants, and evicted households.
The Kyarubanga Forest Reserve land, directed for degazettement by President Museveni in 2019 to resettle landless households, remains a hotbed of tension. Over 500 households were already living on the land, but the district later resettled more than 1,000 additional people, including those displaced from Kasagala Forest Reserve and flood victims from Lake Kyoga.
Despite multiple visits by the State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, the conflicts persist, leading to violence and mistrust among settlers.
“Many of our people have been injured or jailed unfairly due to these conflicts. I implore President Museveni to personally intervene and ensure a lasting solution before the realization of Nakasongola’s industrial city status,” Isabaruuli urged.
Isabaruuli also commended government efforts in implementing economic programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, which have uplifted the livelihoods of his people.
However, he called for increased financial support to cultural leadership, which plays a vital role in fostering unity and development.
On the issue of fishing regulations, Isabaruuli praised the Fisheries Protection Unit for maintaining order at Lake Kyoga but requested that enforcement be carried out peacefully and fairly.
The Chiefdom’s Premier, Omwikirwaku we Buruuli, Samuel Kasirye, highlighted Buruuli’s commitment to environmental restoration. “We are focusing on replanting trees cut by charcoal makers to combat the increasing aridity of the land,” he stated.
Kasirye also reaffirmed Buruuli’s resolve to protect its sovereignty amidst challenges from other kingdoms seeking to diminish its power.
District LC5 Chairperson Sam Kigula celebrated the progress made over two decades, particularly the widespread adoption of the Luruuli language and other cultural norms across Nakasongola.
Nakasongola Constituency MP, Noah Mutebi Wanzara, represented the central government at the event. He lauded the government for its consistent support, including a monthly allowance of Shs. 60 million and a pledge of Shs. 4 billion for the construction of the Chiefdom headquarters.
However, Mutebi expressed concern over the delay in granting Nakasongola city status. “We must expedite this process to ensure that by July 2025, the city becomes a reality as promised,” he urged.
The event, held under the theme “Unity in Diversity for Social Cohesion,” attracted cultural leaders from across Uganda and beyond, including representatives from Bugwe, Teso, Ankole, Lugbara, Bwamba, and the King of Gomoa Odumase Kingdom in Ghana, HRH Akomanyi Nana Essandah.
As Buruuli Chiefdom celebrates two decades under the leadership of Isabaruuli Mwogezi, the call for peace, unity, and sustainable development resonates strongly.
The need for swift resolution of land conflicts and enhanced cultural preservation remains at the forefront of its agenda.
