The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on the Ugandan government to urgently settle a long-standing debt owed to the kingdom. During a Lukiiko meeting held on Monday, Mayiga emphasized the need for the government to compensate Buganda for properties and unpaid rent arrears amounting to over Shs700 billion. The debt primarily stems from government buildings and land occupied by state agencies over the years.

Mayiga expressed frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the matter despite repeated appeals. He revealed that Buganda also owes the government money for certain properties that were historically part of the kingdom but were taken over by the state. These include former kingdom assets such as prisons and other seized properties. However, the Katikkiro stressed that the government’s outstanding debt to Buganda remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention.

“We owe the government a huge amount of money. We urge the government to pay us this money so that we can effectively manage our kingdom’s affairs,” Mayiga stated during the Lukiiko meeting. His remarks highlight the financial strain the kingdom faces due to unpaid arrears. The Katikkiro noted that in the 2025/2026 financial year, no funds were allocated to Buganda, further complicating the kingdom’s ability to carry out its activities.

The call for payment is not new. Over the years, Buganda’s leaders have consistently raised the issue, but the government has shown little urgency in addressing it. Mayiga emphasized that the time has come for the authorities to prioritize the matter and settle the debt. “I urge the government to make this issue a priority and repay the money owed to the kingdom,” he said.

The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has also spoken on the matter. In his recent Easter message, the Kabaka echoed Mayiga’s sentiments, urging the government to resolve the long-standing financial dispute. The monarch’s message reinforced the kingdom’s position that the unpaid funds are not just a financial issue but also a matter of historical justice and respect for Buganda’s heritage.

Last month, Prince Wasajja, a prominent member of the Buganda royal family, expressed similar concerns. Speaking during Easter celebrations at Lubaga Cathedral, the prince lamented the government’s silence despite repeated appeals for compensation and the return of the kingdom’s assets. “It is time for the government to act and honour its obligations to the kingdom. This is not just about property; it’s about respecting history, identity, and the rightful place of Buganda within our nation,” Prince Wasajja stated.

Among the key properties under discussion is Mutesa House in London, which was seized during the Idi Amin regime and later sold. Another significant property is Plot 52 on Kampala Road, which the kingdom claims as part of its historical assets. The unresolved status of these properties has been a point of contention between Buganda and the government for decades.

The delay in settling the debt has raised concerns among Buganda’s leaders and subjects. Many view the unpaid arrears as a sign of neglect and disregard for the kingdom’s contributions to Uganda’s development. Buganda, being one of the most influential traditional kingdoms in the country, plays a crucial role in cultural and socio-economic matters. The kingdom’s leaders argue that the government’s failure to address the debt undermines its ability to support community programs and maintain its cultural institutions.

Mayiga’s latest appeal adds to the growing pressure on the government to act. The Katikkiro’s statements reflect the kingdom’s determination to seek justice and financial closure. However, it remains unclear whether the government will take immediate steps to resolve the matter. Past discussions on the issue have often stalled, with little tangible progress made.

The financial dispute between Buganda and the government is deeply rooted in Uganda’s history. Following the abolition of kingdoms in 1966, many of Buganda’s assets were taken over by the state. When traditional institutions were restored in the 1990s, the question of compensation and the return of properties became a major point of discussion. Over the years, partial agreements have been reached, but a full resolution has remained elusive.

As the kingdom continues to push for payment, the matter is likely to remain a topic of public debate. Buganda’s leaders insist that the debt is not merely a financial transaction but a matter of justice and recognition of the kingdom’s historical and cultural significance. The call for the government to settle the Shs700 billion debt is, therefore, more than a demand for money—it is a plea for respect, fairness, and the preservation of Buganda’s legacy.

For now, the ball is in the government’s court. Whether it will heed the kingdom’s call and take decisive action remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Buganda’s leaders will not relent in their pursuit of what they believe is rightfully owed to the kingdom. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this long-standing issue will finally be resolved or if it will continue to linger as a point of contention between Buganda and the state.