MPs Tasked to Enhance Land Governance Oversight

Legislators in Uganda are being called upon to play a more active role in improving the nation’s land governance system. This directive comes as the country continues to face significant challenges related to land disputes, illegal evictions, and land grabbing.

During an orientation on land governance, organized by the Uganda Parliamentarians Land Management Forum and supported by various government and non-government entities, Members of Parliament (MPs) were urged to champion reforms. Parliament Commissioner Jesca Ababiku, representing the Speaker, emphasized that land is a vital national asset and that MPs must use their positions to safeguard citizens’ interests.

Ababiku highlighted the prevalence of land disputes, noting that approximately 42 percent of court cases are related to land. She warned that vulnerable citizens are at risk of losing their land if leaders do not intervene proactively. The Speaker’s message underscored Parliament’s central role in ensuring justice, attracting investment, and driving national development through effective land governance.

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, acknowledged that despite a robust legal framework, land conflicts persist. She pointed to issues such as fraud, double titling, and corruption as hindering livelihoods and deterring investment. The Minister stressed the need for greater public awareness regarding land rights and the importance of viewing land as an economic enabler.

Progress in decentralizing land services, digitizing records, and increasing land registration coverage was noted. However, the documentation of customary land remains a significant challenge. The Ministry is seeking parliamentary support for key legislative reforms, including proposals for the Real Estate Bill and amendments to several land-related acts, to strengthen regulation and improve land administration.