Kitagwenda Residents Empowered on Land Rights During Awareness Week

Kitagwenda District residents are now more informed about their land rights and responsibilities following the 10th Land Awareness Week. The intensive sensitization campaign, held from August 24th to 29th, 2026, aimed to address widespread issues such as land grabbing, fraudulent transactions, and disputes between landlords and tenants.

Organized by PELUM Uganda in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and other NGOs, the initiative brought essential land services directly to the community. Participants, including small-scale farmers, women, widows, children, and persons with disabilities, received guidance on land ownership, documentation, and dispute resolution.

Mobile legal clinics offered free legal and technical advice, while community dialogues facilitated discussions between local leaders and residents on land governance challenges. Many attendees expressed newfound confidence in asserting their rights, with some highlighting specific concerns like the ongoing dispute over mailo land affecting over 600 households facing potential eviction.

Lillian Achola, Executive Director of LandNet Uganda, pointed out that absentee landlords and a lack of clarity on land tenure systems are significant problems in the district, leading to scams and uncertainty for residents. She emphasized the need for more awareness, particularly for women, regarding their rights to own and inherit land.

Local officials encouraged residents to share the acquired knowledge widely and urged caution against entering land deals without proper legal counsel. The week-long campaign successfully bolstered community awareness and fostered a stronger collaborative spirit among residents, leaders, and government agencies to improve land management.

This event underscores the importance of public education in protecting land rights and promoting sustainable land use. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/367268/land-awareness-week-puts-kitagwenda-residents-on-alert-over-land-rights