AMOS A
Residents of Rugaraama North Sub County in Ntungamo District have expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with a government program that was initially intended to provide free land titles to every Ugandan but has allegedly been turned into a money-making venture by those administering it.
Boaz Arinaitwe, a resident of Kakanena Cell in Rugaraama North Sub County, explained that they had filled out the necessary forms at no cost. However, when it came time to have their land surveyed, they were asked to pay, with the officials claiming the program was no longer free. Arinaitwe is now urging authorities to intervene and ensure they receive land titles as promised under the government initiative.
Francis Karita, the LC1 chairperson of Kamahuri Cell, confirmed the residents’ frustrations. He noted that while some individuals had indeed missed out on having their land registered or surveyed, this was partly due to negligence and delays in joining the program. He emphasized that the process had been ongoing for some time and urged people to get involved sooner. Karita added that while they had been informed during sensitization meetings that the program was free, some surveyors had accepted voluntary appreciation payments.
Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibare, the LC3 chairperson of Rugaraama North, acknowledged that bribery demands from contracted officials tainted the government-sponsored program. He pointed out that landowners who could not afford to pay bribes did not have their land surveyed. Additionally, he noted that domestic conflicts related to land issues remained unresolved. Rwanyakibare calls for an evaluation meeting to address these problems and help reduce domestic violence linked to land disputes.
On the other hand, Samuel Juau, one of the officials responsible for land measurements, denied any wrongdoing. He clarified that no one demanded money while the government contract was active. However, after the contract ended, the government no longer funded surveyors, and they only requested transport fees from those who needed their services.
