Bugisu, Bukedi leaders challenged to work with Lands Ministry to fight land grabbing
“Some government officials have made it a habit to grab or encroach on government land in areas where they work, including schools, hospitals and government headquarters,” Ntabazi said.
Mbale: Leaders in the Bugisu, Teso and Bukedi sub-regions have been urged to work closely with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Uganda Land Commission to curb land grabbing, corruption and encroachment on government land.
The call was made by Harriet Ntabazi, the State Minister for Lands, during a regional stakeholders’ workshop on the development of a comprehensive land inventory held at Mbale Resort Hotel.
The workshop brought together Resident District Commissioners, LC5 chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers, officials from the Uganda Land Commission, the Ministry of Lands and other stakeholders.
Ntabazi warned government officials against grabbing or encroaching on government land, including land belonging to schools, health facilities and government offices.
She instead urged officials to work hard and acquire their own land, warning that action would be taken against those involved in land grabbing.
“Some government officials have made it a habit to grab or encroach on government land in areas where they work, including schools, hospitals and government headquarters,” Ntabazi said.
She also called on local leaders to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Lands and the Uganda Land Commission in the fight against land grabbing, bribery and corruption.
Meanwhile, Natubu Geoffrey Wafukhulu, the Bududa District LC5 Chairperson, welcomed the engagement between the Ministry and local leaders but raised concerns over a road passing through the staff quarters of Bulucheke Health Centre IV.
Natubu said the proposed alternative route has generated disagreements with the community, resulting in a court case.
Emma Bwayo, the Namisindwa District LC5 Chairperson, said communities in the district continue to face numerous land-related challenges.
Bwayo urged the Ministry to increase its presence in the field instead of relying mainly on boardroom engagements so that officials can better understand challenges affecting communities.
“The Ministry should move beyond boardrooms and increase its presence in the field to better understand and address the realities faced by communities,” Bwayo said.
He also called for greater support and facilitation of District Land Boards, saying stronger land management structures would improve dispute resolution and service delivery.
Bwayo said District Land Boards need adequate support to carry out their operations and movements.
In response, Minister Ntabazi said she would follow up on the Bulucheke Health Centre IV road dispute to ensure that the matter is properly handled.
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