A family in Nakuwadde–Bbira–Lubanyi, Wakiso District, has blocked the burial of 95-year-old Maria Thereza Nakibuuka over a Wakiso Church land dispute involving the Kampala Catholic Archdiocese. The disputed land, located on Block 306, Plot 2430 in Busiro County, is roughly 1.4 acres and holds ancestral graves.
The family alleges that the land was not donated to the Church but was given to Nakulabye Parish for safekeeping. They claim the Church took advantage of her trust, transferring ownership without family consultation.
Family Blocks Burial Amid Wakiso Church Land Dispute
Church Allegedly Took Title Without Consent
Mr. Richard Luswata Musajjakaawa, the Kattikiro of the Nyonyi-Namungoona clan, insists the land is ancestral property. He says Nakibuuka only handed over the land title for protection, not donation. The Church, however, registered it under the Archdiocese Trustees, sparking outrage.
“She was illiterate. How did she sign over our land? And without witnesses?” he questioned.
Family Outraged Over Grave Relocation Plan
The family was especially angered by a proposal from the Legion of Mary, asking Nakibuuka to relocate the family graveyard. The Church also suggested demolishing her house and building her a new one elsewhere. Nakibuuka reportedly became distressed and asked for the return of the title before her passing.
Mr. Luswata says about 50 relatives are buried on the land, making it sacred.
“You don’t exhume ancestors without the family’s consent. That’s not how we operate,” he said.
Burial Halted by Wakiso Church Land Dispute
Stranded Mourners Demand Quick Resolution
The family postponed Nakibuuka’s burial, originally scheduled for June 11. They say they will not proceed until the land title is returned.
“Even if it takes a month, we will wait,” Luswata emphasized.
Mourners, some of whom traveled from distant places, are stranded. Zipora Naluggwa, who came from Kiboga, expressed frustration. “I only brought fare for a few days. Let the Church do the right thing.”
Church Defends Position in Land Ownership Dispute
Fr Ssajjabi Claims Legal Title Transfer
Fr. Richard Ssajjabi, CEO of the Kampala Archdiocese Land Board, stated that Nakibuuka willingly donated the land. He said the title transfer occurred in 2017 and was done legally.
“We’re not blocking the burial. It was her wish to be buried on the same land,” he told journalists.
He added that Nakibuuka sold a portion of the land prior to her death, and the Church honored that agreement.
Church Cites Previous Sale by Deceased
Fr. Ssajjabi also said the Church respects her earlier wishes. “Though we could have ignored the sale since it came after the donation, we still honored it,” he explained. However, he declined to share documentary evidence, citing archival procedures.
Clan Prepares Legal Action in Wakiso Church Land Dispute
No Resolution from Rubaga Cathedral Meeting
On June 11, the family met Church officials at Rubaga Cathedral. Mr. Patrick Bisere, the family head, confirmed that the Church needed more time to consult with the Legion of Mary.
“Had they cooperated, we’d have buried her already,” Bisere stated.
Church Consultation with Legion of Mary Ongoing
Church representatives said they must speak to the Legion of Mary before making any decisions about returning the title. The family, however, says they’ve waited long enough and plans to pursue legal channels.
Wakiso Church Land Dispute Sparks Cultural Concerns
Government Warnings Over Church Land Conflicts
Minister Judith Nabakooba has previously warned that unutilized or poorly documented Church land is prone to conflicts. A task force was established to help religious institutions update records. However, this case highlights what happens when faith institutions and families clash over land ownership.
Family Says Burial Symbolizes Resistance
For the Nyonyi-Namungoona clan, this isn’t just a property conflict—it’s about heritage, identity, and respect. They view the Church’s actions as betrayal, especially since the deceased had entrusted the title for safekeeping.
“This is more than a burial delay. It’s a violation of who we are,” Luswata said.
The Wakiso Church land dispute has turned Nakibuuka’s burial into a national conversation about cultural autonomy, ancestral ownership, and institutional accountability. The outcome of this case could shape how similar land cases are handled across Uganda.
The Wakiso Church land dispute raises urgent questions about ancestral land custody and institutional transparency in Uganda. As the family stands its ground, Nakibuuka’s delayed burial has become a symbol of ancestral and cultural rights. This conflict reflects wider national concerns—just as the lawyers’ strike over judge shortages in the Masaka region exposes flaws in judicial service, and the menstrual health education for girls in Uganda highlights the gaps in grassroots community support. For context, the Uganda National Land Policy outlines proper land governance, while Landnet Uganda provides structured approaches to community land dispute resolution. Oversight and registration responsibilities also lie with the Uganda Land Commission, which safeguards land held under institutional and customary tenure.
