Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the reigning monarch, has expressed strong disapproval of the prolonged legal proceedings that victims of land evictions are facing within the courts.
He made these remarks during the commencement of the 31st Lukiiko (parliament) of the kingdom at Bulange, Mengo.
Highlighting the ongoing predicament, Kabaka Mutebi conveyed his concern regarding the persistent occurrence of land evictions across various parts of the country.
He emphasized the issue of delayed justice when those affected seek legal recourse in court. He firmly urged the judicial system to prioritize swift resolution in these cases.
The central region has been particularly affected by unresolved land disputes and frequent evictions of bibanja holders (informal land occupiers).
As disclosed last year by the Judiciary Public Relations Officer, Mr. Jamson Karemani, the Land Division faced a staggering backlog of over 10,000 land-related cases, involving substantial amounts of money.
Responding to queries about these delays, Ms. Sarah Lang Siu, the Judiciary Chief Registrar, acknowledged the existing challenges. She attributed the backlog to factors such as understaffing and the complexities inherent in land-related cases.
While she did not provide the current backlog figure, she emphasized that efforts were underway to address the situation.
The recent recruitment of over 80 magistrates aimed to alleviate the problem by increasing court sessions and prioritizing land matters.
Kabaka Mutebi’s call extended beyond the realm of justice. He urged the national government to elevate the importance of agricultural education in schools, recognizing the necessity of equipping children with farming knowledge.
During the Lukiiko session, the Kabaka introduced 24 newly appointed leaders, including kingdom ministers, county chiefs, and their deputies.
He implored these leaders to prioritize quality service delivery, emphasizing loyalty and dedication to their roles.