President Museveni has pledged to resolve long-standing land disputes in the Tooro Kingdom and ensure peaceful coexistence between the kingdom and local government authorities.
The president made the assurance during a meeting with Tooro king Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa and their delegation at Fort Portal State Lodge.
In a move aimed at strengthening cooperation and restoring trust, President Museveni revealed that the government is committed to returning titles to the Tooro Kingdom’s properties some of which have been in contention for decades once a formal agreement is reached.
“We will address land issues within the kingdom and work towards establishing common ground for the local government and the kingdom to coexist peacefully,” President Museveni said.
“Furthermore, titles to the kingdom’s properties will be returned upon the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government.”
The president emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in national development and noted that harmony between kingdoms and local governments is essential for social stability and economic progress.
The issue of land has been a point of friction in many parts of Uganda, particularly where cultural institutions seek the return of ancestral properties.
In Tooro, this has affected both the kingdom’s administrative operations and community development programs.
President Museveni’s meeting with the Tooro leadership signifies a step toward healing historical grievances and formalizing a path forward through legal and peaceful means.
The anticipated MoU is expected to define clear terms for property restitution and outline mutual responsibilities between the government and the kingdom to prevent future disputes.
