The Buganda Kingdom has warned individuals it describes as land grabbers against attempting to take over cultural land, saying it will not turn a blind eye to such actions.

The Kingdom said anyone found attempting to encroach on or take possession of cultural land will face legal action.

The warning follows an incident involving a group of alleged enforcers and bouncers, accompanied by individuals claiming to be princes, who reportedly attempted to gain access to the palace of Nalongo Nazibanja in Maganjo.

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The group claimed that the approximately 2.5-acre parcel of land on which the palace stands belongs to them.

The group, reportedly led by Daudi Wasswa Wasajja, arrived early in the morning and attempted to access the premises.

Some of the alleged enforcers reportedly tried to force their way into the palace after receiving information that the Buganda Kingdom had withdrawn its security personnel from the premises.

The individuals claiming to be princes were reportedly heard insisting that the Kingdom had acquired the land irregularly.

The confrontation created tension among the women guarding the palace and nearby residents.

After gaining access to part of the palace compound, the group reportedly discovered that some security personnel had already left. However, they later realised that members of the Kabaka's Protection Unit were still inside the palace.

The group subsequently left the premises, apparently after becoming apprehensive about the presence of the security personnel, bringing the attempted takeover to an end.

One section of the palace was reportedly damaged after the group allegedly forced its way through barriers in an attempt to avoid being apprehended by security personnel.

Following the incident, the Buganda Kingdom deployed additional security personnel to the palace. Police officers in civilian clothing were also seen at the scene, where they recorded statements from some of those involved.

Buganda vows to protect cultural sites

Salongo Luwangula Basajja Nsolo, the official responsible for protecting cultural sites in Buganda, said the Kingdom has faced repeated attempts by individuals seeking to take over important cultural properties.

"We have been fighting different land grabbers for a long time because they want to take over this cultural site. This place is very important to Buganda," he said.

Basajja Nsolo further warned that the Kingdom would not allow anyone to take over or sell the cultural site.

"We will not turn a blind eye to anyone attempting to take over this cultural site. And anyone thinking of selling it should go and sell their grandfather's property instead," he said.

Basajja Nsolo also alleged that several cultural sites have recently been targeted by individuals claiming to be princes, alongside land brokers seeking to take possession of the properties.

He urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid participating in the sale of such properties.

The Kingdom said some of the alleged brokers and enforcers have already been reported to the authorities over various offences, with the aim of having them prosecuted.

The palace remains under security protection, with a warning displayed at the entrance stating: "No trespassing."