parliament 3 September 2026 Parliament of Uganda
MPs Divided Over Proposed 3-Month Halt on Special Land Titles
A proposal by the Ministry of Lands to suspend the issuance of special land titles for three months has sparked a debate among Members of Parliament, with concerns raised about potential risks to genuine landowners and legal implications. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4593/ministerial-proposal-special-land-titles-divides-mps
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is facing a divided Parliament over its proposal to temporarily halt the issuance of special certificates of title for a period of three months. These special titles are issued as replacements when an original land title is lost, destroyed, or damaged.
The State Minister for Lands, Hon. Harriet Ntabazi, explained that the intervention is necessary due to allegations that special certificates have sometimes been issued even when the original titles still exist, undermining the integrity of the land registration system.
“These allegations strike at the integrity of Uganda’s land registration system,” Ntabazi stated during a plenary sitting. “A certificate of title is not merely an administrative document; it represents a registered proprietary interest and is relied upon by citizens, courts, banks, investors, purchasers and other institutions.”
However, some legislators voiced concerns. Hon. Sumayah Nabawanuka, Shadow Minister for Lands, argued that the suspension could put genuine landowners at risk and suggested a targeted audit of previously issued special certificates instead. Similarly, Hon. Cohen Amanya questioned the legal basis for the suspension, noting its potential impact on ongoing court cases involving land.
Others, like Hon. Molly Nawe, suggested the cleanup could occur without a suspension, emphasizing the importance of land for production and investment. On the other hand, Hon. Edson Rugumayo commended the minister’s decisive action, suggesting the three months would allow for improved guidelines and controls, while Hon. Amelia Kyambadde welcomed the move as a brief but necessary cleanup period.
The Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, clarified that the law itself has not been suspended. He explained that while applications can still be made, the processing might be delayed as the Ministry undertakes its internal review.