MPs Tasked to Strengthen Land Governance and Protect Citizen Rights

Members of Parliament are being called upon to take a leading role in reforming Uganda’s land governance systems. The emphasis is on strengthening oversight mechanisms to protect citizens’ land rights and unlock the nation’s potential for socio-economic development.

This directive was issued at an orientation session organized by the Uganda Parliamentarians Land Management Forum in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, OXFAM Uganda, and other development partners. The event aimed to deepen legislators’ understanding of land administration, relevant legislation, and their oversight duties.

Representing the Speaker of Parliament, Commissioner Jesca Ababiku highlighted land as a critical national asset. She stressed the constitutional mandate of citizens to own land and the responsibility of Parliament to ensure its effective management. “Land issues are among the biggest problems in this country,” Ababiku noted, adding that court data indicates approximately 42 percent of cases are land-related, posing a significant risk to vulnerable citizens.

The Speaker’s message underscored that land is more than just an economic asset; it’s fundamental to livelihoods, dignity, and opportunity. MPs were urged to use their legislative powers and oversight functions to address land disputes, promote justice, and foster national development.

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, acknowledged ongoing challenges despite existing legal frameworks. Issues like land conflicts, illegal evictions, land grabbing, fraud, and corruption continue to hinder investment and erode confidence in land institutions. Nabakooba called for increased public awareness about land rights and emphasized the need to view land as an economic enabler.

The Ministry has made strides in decentralizing land services through Zonal Offices and digitizing land records to improve accessibility. While land registration coverage has increased, a substantial portion of customary land remains undocumented, leaving many Ugandans susceptible to land grabbing. The Ministry is working to issue Certificates of Customary Ownership and has established mechanisms for paying ground rent.

Minister Nabakooba also appealed for Parliament’s support on crucial legislative reforms, including the Real Estate Bill and amendments to other key land-related acts. These reforms are deemed essential to address legal gaps, combat fraud, and ensure land laws remain relevant to the nation’s evolving needs.