Nakasongola, Uganda — The cultural leader of Buruuli Chiefdom, Isabaruuli Isabarabrongo Mutyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya, has made an impassioned appeal to the government to immediately intervene and find a solution to the ongoing land grabbing crisis that has displaced hundreds of his people.

Speaking during the 20th Coronation Anniversary at Kaalemere Ka Nyamusumba Palace on December 10, 2024, Isabaruuli stressed the need for immediate intervention, particularly in resolving disputes surrounding the Kyarubanga Forest Reserve.

The Kyarubanga Land Conflict

For years, the eight-square-mile Kyarubanga Forest Reserve has been a point of contention, stretching across four sub-counties: Lwabiyata, Nabiswera, Wabinyonyi, and Lwampanga. In 2019, President Museveni ordered the degazettement of the land for the resettling of landless households. However, the move has escalated the conflicts, with the area hosting more than 1,500 households, including flood victims and displaced families from Kasagala Forest Reserve.

“Many of our people have been injured or jailed due to these disputes. I appeal to President Museveni to personally intervene and ensure lasting peace,” said Isabaruuli, warning that unresolved conflicts could hinder Nakasongola’s vision of becoming an industrial city.

Despite visits by State Minister for Lands Sam Mayanja, tensions remain high, marked by violence and mistrust among settlers.

Cultural Leadership and Economic Development

Isabaruuli commended government programs like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model for uplifting his people’s livelihoods but called for increased financial support to cultural institutions. “Cultural leadership fosters unity and development; we need resources to continue this work,” he noted.

He also praised the Fisheries Protection Unit for maintaining order at Lake Kyoga, urging fair enforcement of regulations to avoid community tensions.

Environmental Conservation
Premier Omwikirwaku we Buruuli, Samuel Kasirye, said Buruuli was working towards the restoration of the environment. “We are replanting trees destroyed by charcoal makers to fight land degradation,” he said.  
Kasirye insisted that the Chiefdom remained committed to its sovereignty amid influences from other kingdoms.  

Calls for City Status

MP Noah Mutebi Wanzara, representing the central government, seconded the concern raised by the Chiefdom. He called for speedier implementation to elevate Nakasongola city status to ensure development, which has been promised before July 2025.

A Celebration of Unity

It was held under the theme “Unity in Diversity for Social Cohesion”, bringing together cultural leaders from across Uganda and beyond, among them the King of Gomoa Odumase Kingdom in Ghana, HRH Akomanyi Nana Essandah.

The celebration of twenty years of progress and achievements of the Buruuli Chiefdom stands out as one with calls for peace, unity, and sustainable development. This resilient community would thus take center stage in conflict land resolutions, cultural heritage conservation, and economic empowerment.

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