After twelve years of uncertainty, the Buganda Kingdom’s traditional court has finally settled a bitter leadership dispute within one of its most important clans. In a landmark ruling delivered at Mengo, the Kkooti ya Kisekwa declared James Mubiru the rightful 38th Gabunga (titular head) of the Mmamba (Lungfish) clan, bringing closure to a conflict that had divided families and threatened clan unity.

Presiding over the case, Dr. Robert Ssonko stated clearly that Mubiru’s installation followed all proper traditional procedures. “Our duty is not to create divisions but to restore harmony, especially when disputes endanger clan unity,” Dr. Ssonko said, flanked by a panel of senior elders from the court, Buganda’s highest authority on clan and succession matters.

The dispute began when a group of clan members, led by Dr. Adams Kimala and the Mmamba clan leadership committee, challenged Mubiru’s legitimacy. They raised concerns about irregularities during the funeral rites of the late Gabunga, Yosiya Kasozi, and the subsequent handover of leadership. However, after carefully examining the evidence, the court found that the late Kasozi had clearly named Mubiru as his successor in his final will.

The judges ruled that the succession was not only lawful but also fully aligned with Buganda’s cultural traditions. While acknowledging the concerns raised by Dr. Kimala and others, the court found no evidence of bad faith on their part, noting that their objections stemmed from procedural questions rather than outright opposition.

Gerald Kyobe Kaberenge, the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Mmamba Clan, welcomed the decision with relief. “We must now unite as one family,” he urged. “We are bound by blood, history, and culture. Let us move past these disputes and focus on preserving our shared heritage.”

The Gabunga title is far more than ceremonial—it carries deep historical weight and serious responsibilities. As clan head, Mubiru will now oversee cultural preservation, mediate disputes, and represent the Mmamba clan in kingdom-wide ceremonies. His role is crucial in maintaining the clan’s identity and traditions in modern-day Buganda.

This ruling also reinforces the authority of the Kkooti ya Kisekwa, a rarely convened but powerful institution that handles complex cultural disputes. By upholding traditional succession processes and emphasizing the importance of documented wills, the court has set a precedent for other clans facing similar leadership conflicts.

For many in Buganda, the verdict offers hope for reconciliation. Clan disputes can be deeply personal, often straining relationships between relatives and neighbors. With this decision, the Mmamba clan now has a chance to heal and move forward. As one elder outside the courtroom remarked, “When the elephant fights, it is the grass that suffers. But when the elephant makes peace, the grass grows again.”

James Mubiru, now officially recognized as Gabunga, faces the task of reuniting his clan. In a brief statement after the ruling, he expressed gratitude to the court and pledged to serve all clan members fairly. “This is not a victory for me alone, but for our entire clan,” he said. “I will work to honor our ancestors and ensure our traditions endure for future generations.”

The resolution of this long-standing dispute highlights the continuing relevance of Buganda’s traditional justice system in modern times. While formal courts handle legal matters, the Kkooti ya Kisekwa remains the trusted authority for resolving cultural and clan-based conflicts in ways that respect centuries-old customs.

As the Mmamba clan turns this new page, the broader Buganda Kingdom watches with interest. Many hope this decision will inspire other clans to resolve their differences through dialogue and tradition, strengthening the kingdom’s cultural fabric for years to come.