In a passionate plea for justice, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has called upon the Judiciary to accelerate the legal process for victims of land evictions. The revered Kabaka voiced his concerns during the inauguration of the 31st Lukiiko (parliament) at Bulange, Mengo. His remarks shed light on the persistent issue of delayed justice and its impact on those facing land-related disputes.
Kabaka Mutebi expressed his dismay over the protracted delays in the resolution of land eviction cases within the courts of law. He lamented the distressing reports of people being forcibly removed from their lands and their subsequent struggles to obtain justice. “We still hear of complaints of a number of people being evicted from their land in various parts of the country, and when they seek redress in courts of law, hearing of land cases takes a very long time,” Kabaka Mutebi emphasized.
The monarch’s call to action comes in response to the troubling backlog of over 10,000 pending land cases reported in the Land Division of the Judiciary. This backlog, as previously disclosed by Judiciary Public Relations Officer Mr. Jamson Karemani, underscores the complexity and magnitude of the issue. An estimated sum of Shs3 trillion is currently held in limbo due to these unresolved matters.
Sarah Lang Siu, the Judiciary Chief Registrar, acknowledged the challenges associated with addressing the backlog. She attributed the delays to factors such as understaffing and the intricate nature of land cases. However, she offered a glimmer of hope by revealing that the Judiciary had taken steps to mitigate the issue. The recent recruitment of over 80 magistrates reflects a commitment to bolstering the Judiciary’s capacity to expedite the resolution of these cases.
The Kabaka’s plea extended beyond the realm of the courts, urging the central government to prioritize agricultural education in schools. He emphasized the importance of equipping the younger generation with practical knowledge about farming, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector for the nation.
During the Lukiiko session, the Kabaka introduced 24 newly appointed leaders, including kingdom ministers, county chiefs, and their deputies. In his address to the new leadership, he emphasized the significance of quality service delivery and unwavering loyalty to the kingdom.
In essence, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s heartfelt appeal serves as a rallying cry for justice to be swiftly and fairly served to those affected by land evictions. His call to expedite legal proceedings and address the backlog underscores the urgent need to resolve these disputes and restore a sense of stability for those impacted by land-related conflicts.
For any Opinions, breaking news, Exposes, story ideas, human interest articles or Exclusive inside Stories; email Uganda Daily on: [email protected]