governance 7 July 2026 Nile Post
Government Launches National Land Inventory, Warns Encroachers
Uganda has initiated a national inventory of all public land to safeguard government property and combat illegal occupation. The State Minister for Lands, Harriet Ntabazi, issued a stern warning to encroachers, assuring them their time is up. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/354376/minister-ntabazi-warns-encroachers-as-govt-launches-national-inventory-for-all-public-land
The Ministry of Lands has officially launched a national inventory of all government-owned land, a move aimed at creating a reliable database to protect public assets from encroachment and fraud. State Minister for Lands, Harriet Ntabazi, used the occasion to deliver a strong warning to individuals and entities illegally occupying government land, stating their lease is effectively over.
“To those occupying government land without authority, your time is up. If you are a commissioner or work in the Ministry of Lands and you are illegally occupying government land, start packing. Regardless of your position or status, the time is now,” Minister Ntabazi declared during a stakeholder workshop in Kampala.
She highlighted that government land is a crucial national asset, increasingly threatened by illegal acquisition and poor record-keeping. The new inventory is expected to provide a clear picture of land ownership, status, and utilization across the country. Currently, only about 23 percent of government land is formally titled, leaving the majority vulnerable.
This situation has led to significant challenges, including government institutions like schools, hospitals, and even security installations being encroached upon. The lack of comprehensive documentation has also facilitated fraudulent land transactions, sometimes resulting in the government paying to reclaim its own land for development projects like road construction.
Professor Pen Mogi Nyeko, Chairperson of the Uganda Land Commission, added that the inventory will also identify underutilized public land that can be allocated to investors, potentially boosting economic growth. With numerous investors seeking land for projects, a clear record of available government land will streamline the allocation process and address a key obstacle to investment.
The comprehensive database is intended to improve land governance, enhance accountability, and foster better coordination among government agencies, aligning with the National Land Policy’s goals for modern land administration.
Source: Nile Post