news 19 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Government Moves to Cancel Titles on Forest Reserves, Plans Public Land Inventory
The Ministry of Lands in Uganda is initiating a crackdown on illegal land titles issued within forest reserves and plans to create a comprehensive inventory of all public land to curb encroachment and facilitate development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-moves-to-cancel-titles-in-forest-reserves-as-plan-to-develop-public-land-inventory-begins-5564290
The Ministry of Lands has issued a strong directive for individuals holding freehold land titles on forest reserves to vacate immediately. District land boards have been instructed to cancel these titles, marking a significant step in the government’s effort to reclaim public land.
This move is part of a broader initiative to compile an inventory of all public land across Uganda. Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba stated that the goal is to secure government land, which has become increasingly vulnerable to fraudsters and mismanagement. The process aims to ensure all government land is properly documented, facilitating better management and resolving disputes legally.
“All government land should be located and titled so that we have proper documentation for proper management,” Minister Nabakooba emphasized during a stakeholders’ meeting in Masaka City. She highlighted that poor land management leads to conflicts and hinders national planning and investment.
The Ministry also condemned irresponsible land allocations by corrupt officials, warning of a nationwide cleanup. This initiative is particularly timely as local leaders have been voicing concerns about widespread encroachment on public land, often facilitated by individuals claiming political connections.
The upcoming five-year inventory process will identify and title idle government land, as well as land occupied by public institutions like schools, hospitals, and government headquarters. It will also include central forest reserves, national parks, and game reserves to create an accurate, geo-enabled record.
This initiative seeks to streamline land management and planning in response to growing populations and urban sprawl, aiming to prevent the development of informal settlements due to lax adherence to planning standards. District land officers have called for increased capacity building and resources to effectively manage land at the local level.