By BM
A confrontation erupted between the State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, and Peter Kabatangare, the Local Council Chairperson of Banda Sub-county in Kyankwanzi District, during a scheduled handover of public land to Makerere University.
The event was meant to officially transfer one square mile of public land to the university, in fulfillment of a presidential directive dating back over 30 years.
Kabatangare attempted to block the delegation from starting the meeting, insisting that they wait for the Kyankwanzi District Chairperson, Dr. John Mpuuga, to arrive before proceeding.
The Minister, accompanied by Uganda Lands Commission Chairperson Professor Pen Mogi Nyeko, Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, and Special Presidential Adviser on Special Duties and Anti-Corruption Rebecca Atwiine, questioned Kabatangare’s interpretation of protocol.
Dr. Mayanja challenged the LCIII Chairperson to explain whether a district official should take precedence over a Cabinet Minister in such matters, a question Kabatangare was unable to answer.
He eventually apologized for the disruption, though he still requested a short delay to allow for Dr. Mpuuga’s arrival.
Professor Nyeko strongly criticized Kabatangare and other local leaders, accusing them of undermining the Minister and frustrating government efforts.
Dr. Mayanja reinforced the point by producing written correspondence that confirmed the date, time, and location of the meeting, which had been communicated well in advance.
After a tense standoff lasting several minutes, the delegation and community members proceeded into the unfinished meeting hall and began the session.
During the meeting, Minister Mayanja formally announced the successful transfer of land to Makerere University.
He explained that government officials had visited the site twice in recent weeks to ensure the long-delayed transfer would finally be executed.
The most recent visit included key representatives from the university, among them Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga and the Vice-Chancellor’s representative—as well as local leaders.
Residents were given the opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions. Ultimately, the community agreed to relinquish any remaining claims on the land, clearing the way for the handover to proceed without further dispute.
The Uganda Land Commission then formally presented ownership documents to Makerere University’s leadership, marking the official transfer of the land.
Minister Mayanja noted that any individuals still occupying the land would be evaluated for possible compensation to facilitate an orderly transition.
He praised the contributions of Dr. Kiyonga and Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, crediting them with achieving what previous university administrations had failed to accomplish for decades.
He also thanked President Yoweri Musveni and the Minister of Education Janet Museveni for their support and enthusiasm in helping to push the transfer forward, describing her as instrumental alongside the President in ensuring the project’s success.
The land, part of Ranch 16, now belongs to Makerere University—an important milestone in the institution’s development and expansion efforts.
