SIMPSON M
Residents in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts have been encouraged to secure land titles to ensure full ownership, enhance land value, and reduce incidents of land grabbing. This appeal was made on February 25, 2025, by Mr. Francis Mailo, the head of the Ministry of Lands zonal office for Rukungiri and Kanungu, during a one-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development at their offices in Eastern Division, Rukungiri District.
Mr. Mailo emphasized that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among residents about their roles and how they can safeguard their land. He noted that many challenges and court cases in the district stem from land disputes. Resolving these issues, he said, would spur development and minimize conflicts, which can only be achieved if people secure land titles. He urged the public to visit their offices and engage with technical staff for assistance in acquiring land titles.
Mailo also expressed the ministry’s commitment to extending their awareness campaigns to the sub-county level to reach more people, especially those in rural areas who face land-related challenges due to a lack of sensitization. He stressed that a land title serves as legal proof of ownership and is protected by law.
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Danis Obbo, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, who represented Permanent Secretary Madam Dorcus Olanyi, called on district leaders and technocrats to support locals in securing land titles. He explained that participants were informed about the procedures for obtaining land titles, verifying titles, and conducting land transactions. The goal, he said, was to educate people on how the ministry’s systems operate and how to address land-related challenges through their offices.
Mr. Obbo clarified that LC1 chairpersons are not authorized to engage in land transactions, as the Land Act only empowers Area Land Committees, Lower Physical Planning Committees, District Land Boards, and the Office of the Recorder at the sub-county level. LC1 chairpersons can only act as witnesses in such transactions; otherwise, the transactions would be considered invalid.
Zepher Mugisha, the Assistant RDC of Kanungu District, praised the ministry for their initiative in helping people understand the importance of holding land titles. He suggested that sensitization efforts should extend to the village level to ensure more people, especially local leaders, understand how to handle land issues properly.
Byarugaba Micheal, the councilor for Western Division in Rukungiri District, who represented LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama, expressed concern over the handling of land issues, particularly the prevalence of corruption. He highlighted instances where individuals fraudulently claim and acquire land due to corrupt practices. Micheal called for stronger measures to combat corruption and reduce land disputes.
The workshop was also attended by Mr. Wilberforce Ongom, the Deputy RDC of Rukungiri District, and other officials from the ministry.
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