Lands ministry should consider the following to address land grabbing
There's a need to encourage mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve land conflicts.
Op-Ed: To address the issue of land grabbing in Uganda, the Ministry of Lands, the Land Commission, and other stakeholders should consider the following measures:
1. Implement the National Land Policy (2013): First and foremost, there’s a need to ensure effective implementation of the policy, which aims to promote sustainable land management and resolve land conflicts.
2. Strengthen the Land Commission: Secondly, there’s a need to empower the Commission to effectively investigate and resolve land disputes and ensure its independence and impartiality.
3. Enhance Land Registration and Certification: The Ministry of Lands should streamline the land registration process and issue certificates of title to rightful landowners, particularly smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities.
4. Conduct Nationwide Land Audits: The Ministry of Lands should regularly conduct audits to identify and address illegal land acquisitions, evictions, and disputes.
5. Support Community Land Rights: There’s a need to recognize and protect community land rights, particularly for indigenous communities and vulnerable groups.
6. Establish Land Tribunals: As a CADRE of the ruling party, advise the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to set up specialized tribunals to handle land disputes and ensure swift justice for affected parties.
7. Enforce Laws and Regulations: More so, there’s a need to effectively enforce laws related to land acquisition and management and hold perpetrators accountable for land grabbing and related offenses.
8. Promote Transparency and Accountability: The government of Uganda should ensure transparency in land transactions and hold public officials and stakeholders accountable for any wrongdoing.
9. Support Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: There’s a need to encourage mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve land conflicts.
10. Collaborate with Civil Society Organizations: In addition to the above, I encourage the government of Uganda, under the wise leadership of President Museveni, to work with local and international organizations to monitor land grabbing, advocate for affected communities, and promote sustainable land management practices.
11. Develop and Implement a National Land Use Plan: There is also a need to guide sustainable land use, balancing economic development with environmental and social considerations.
12. Enhance Public Awareness and Education: In conclusion, therefore, I encourage the government of Uganda to educate the public about land rights, laws, and responsible land use practices to prevent land grabbing and promote peaceful coexistence.
The author is Bagarukayo Abdul, the NRM Cadre/Political Scientist.
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