Uganda Suspends Special Land Title Issuance Amid Abuse Concerns

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has put a pause on the issuance of special certificates of title, a measure taken to curb fraudulent practices and protect property rights. Minister Judith Nabakooba announced the suspension, citing instances where individuals have falsely reported original land titles as lost to obtain duplicates, often when the originals are held by lenders, lawyers, or relatives.

These special titles are intended as replacements for genuinely lost or damaged original land titles and carry the same legal weight. However, the minister explained that the process has been exploited, with some applicants claiming titles are lost without proper verification, even when administrators of estates seek new titles without fully investigating existing claims.

Minister Nabakooba stated that the service will remain suspended until December while the ministry collaborates with stakeholders to formulate robust new guidelines. This review is crucial to prevent the issuance of overlapping or duplicate titles, which has fueled land disputes and facilitated land grabbing. The minister warned Lands officers against issuing any special certificates during this period, emphasizing that any offenders will face arrest.

Recent cases in areas like Kyengera and Lyantonde highlighted the problematic issuance of special titles on land with existing claims. The minister stressed the need for a clear, revised process, noting that many of these issues originate from the Buganda region. She also addressed broader concerns within the ministry, including clearing backlogs, combating absenteeism, improving customer service, and eradicating brokers operating around Ministry Zonal Offices.

Additionally, the minister directed technical officers to upload completed Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification program titles into the land information system and engage contractors to finalize outstanding data for the World Bank-funded project. The state minister, Harriet Ntabaazi, echoed concerns about land grabbing and cautioned officials against soliciting bribes, which tarnish the ministry’s reputation.