news 8 July 2026 Nile Post
Buganda Kingdom, BLB, Bibanja Owners Unite Against Land Fraud
Buganda Kingdom, through its Land Minister David Mpanga, has formed a crucial partnership with the Buganda Land Board (BLB) and the Bibanja Owners Development Association Limited (BODA) to combat escalating land fraud and illegal evictions within the region. This collaboration aims to protect legitimate bibanja holders from exploitation and fraudulent land dealings. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/354773/buganda-kingdom-blb-and-bibanja-owners-unite-to-fight-land-fraud-illegal-evictions
Buganda Kingdom, in a significant move to safeguard its ancestral lands and protect its subjects, has joined forces with the Buganda Land Board (BLB) and the Bibanja Owners Development Association Limited (BODA). This strategic alliance is designed to bolster efforts against prevalent land fraud, illegal evictions, and exploitative practices targeting lawful bibanja holders.
The initiative was spearheaded by Buganda’s Minister for Lands and Properties, David Mpanga, during a pivotal meeting at the BLB headquarters. Leaders from the bibanja owners’ association had approached the Kingdom seeking enhanced collaboration to address a rising tide of fraudulent land titles and unlawful transactions involving Kabaka’s land.
Key objectives of this partnership include developing robust strategies for identifying genuine bibanja holders, eradicating fraudulent land dealings, and significantly increasing public awareness regarding the rights and responsibilities of both land occupants and registered landowners. Minister Mpanga emphasized His Majesty the Kabaka’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that bibanja holders can occupy and develop their land without the constant threat of exploitation by criminals who exploit knowledge gaps.
Rising land demand and population growth have amplified land conflicts, making them increasingly complex. The leaders acknowledged that criminal networks are exploiting these pressures by creating dubious land documents and falsely claiming ownership, often leaving families entangled in protracted legal battles.
To foster stronger cooperation, a joint technical think tank comprising officials from BLB and BODA is proposed. This body would regularly review emerging land disputes, facilitate information exchange, and recommend practical solutions. Bob Mpiima, Chairperson of BODA, welcomed the collaboration, highlighting how it would bolster protection for genuine occupants and expose those involved in illegal land dealings, particularly noting that many schools and churches have occupied land for years without proper documentation, creating vulnerabilities.
The BLB, while advocating for bibanja holders’ rights, also stressed the importance of educating the public on landlords’ rights, promoting mutual respect and legal understanding. The Board acknowledged that land administration challenges extend beyond Kingdom land, making broad public awareness critical. Ignorance of land laws was identified as a primary driver of fraud, with BLB explaining that statutory protections exist for bibanja holders, including against arbitrary evictions, provided they meet obligations like paying annual ground rent (busuulu) and not selling their interests without landlord consent.
This collaborative effort is expected to enhance information sharing, improve the verification of lawful occupants, curb fraudulent transactions, and ultimately restore public confidence in land administration across Buganda.