Members of Parliament from across the political divide have raised concern over growing cases of land grabbing in Uganda, accusing some local leaders and government officials of failing to protect landowners.
The legislators also criticised the government’s proposed increases in land transfer and caveat fees, warning that the higher charges could make land transactions more expensive for ordinary Ugandans.
The concerns emerged during a parliamentary sitting in which the Minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba presented a statement on disruptions at the ministry’s zonal offices following the transfer of staff.
Speaking to Bbeg Media at Parliament, Nakifuma County MP Suleiman Kiwanuka said land grabbing had become a serious problem in his constituency, with some local leaders allegedly participating in disputes over land, including property belonging to religious institutions.
He called on the government to intervene and protect landowners from individuals using their positions of authority to take over other people’s property.
Kiwanuka said he was less concerned about the proposed increases in land transfer and caveat fees than the growing insecurity surrounding land ownership.
He warned that continued land grabbing could undermine public confidence in property ownership, which is essential for investment, agriculture and the country’s wider economic development.
Bbaale County MP Charles Tebandeke questioned the ministry’s handling of the recent staff transfers, arguing that disruptions at zonal land offices had affected people and businesses that depend on land registration services.
The ministry said the transfers and the review of staff access to the National Land Information System had temporarily delayed some transactions. Nabakooba told Parliament that the changes were intended to improve accountability and reduce the risk of undue influence on officials who had stayed at particular stations for long periods.
Tebandeke, however, said the ministry should have put in place a proper transition plan before transferring staff to avoid disrupting services.
“The ministry should have a proper transfer plan instead of closing offices that serve Ugandans,” he said.
He argued that the ministry had failed to adequately protect the public from land fraud while implementing changes that made it difficult for some people to process titles and complete transactions.
According to Tebandeke, the delays had affected businesses and slowed government revenue collection from land transactions.
Bukoto County MP Sarah Babirye Kityo said Uganda had good land policies but continued to struggle with poor implementation, corruption and weak land management.
She said she had expected the minister to present statistics showing the extent of land grabbing and the government’s progress in addressing the problem.
Isingiro District Woman MP Lilian Ruteraho also expressed concern that some people were allegedly using their positions and influence to take over land belonging to others.
Ruteraho, a former resident district commissioner (RDC), said local leaders should help administer land matters and resolve disputes rather than interfere in cases in ways that could enable land grabbing.
Meanwhile, Agago Woman MP Christine Lanyero, who represents the NRM, called for stronger action against land grabbing in Acholi communities.
She said disputes over land were threatening livelihoods and could undermine economic development in the region.
Lanyero urged the government to intervene before the disputes escalated further, stressing the need to protect communities from losing land and ensure that conflicts were addressed through proper channels.
The legislators’ concerns come amid continuing public debate over land administration, the security of land titles and the cost of registering property.
The Ministry of Lands has said the recent staff transfers were intended to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery. Nabakooba also said the ministry was working to restore normal operations after the temporary delays at zonal offices.
