General Salim Saleh, also known as Caleb Akandwanaho, has raised a significant alarm regarding Uganda's land policies. He asserts that these policies are lagging behind the swift pace of development in the country, which in turn exacerbates issues such as conflict, inequality, and insecurity. This warning was delivered during his closing remarks at a three-day workshop focused on the National Land Policy Review, Validation, and Research held in Kapeeka.
At this workshop, General Saleh articulated that land remains one of the most persistent challenges facing Uganda, affecting various communities and regions alike. "When we were in the field, we realized that land remains a major problem, isn’t it? Wherever you go, land issues keep coming up," he remarked. His call to action emphasized the necessity for translating ideas into tangible solutions, noting that the speed of development is currently outstripping the existing legal framework governing land ownership and tenancy.
The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD), gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and researchers. Their collective aim was to review critical findings that could enhance Uganda’s land governance framework. During the discussions, participants expressed urgent concerns about issues such as land theft, disputes over ownership, and the mismanagement of public land, all of which demand coordinated and immediate responses.
General Saleh pointed out that the disparity between economic progress and outdated land laws poses serious challenges for both landowners and tenants. He illustrated this point by stating, "There is a real challenge there. For example, if I own land and we are generating up to 300 million shillings from it, then there must be clear and practical arrangements to ensure that everyone benefits." His remarks underscore the importance of creating a system where all parties involved in land use and ownership can thrive.
He urged the Ministry of Lands and relevant stakeholders to transition from mere discussions to implementing reforms that provide protection for all involved. "I hope you have made concrete recommendations that can guide us going forward," he stated.
The Kapeeka meeting was part of a larger national initiative that included earlier gatherings, such as another three-day workshop at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where the government reaffirmed its dedication to reforming the land sector. In her opening remarks at that event, Lands Minister Hon Judith Nabakooba emphasized the necessity for a modern, people-centered land policy. She explained that such a policy would not only guarantee security of tenure but also help mitigate conflicts, attract investment, and facilitate national transformation.
According to the Ministry, the implementation of the 2013 National Land Policy has yielded significant achievements. These include the establishment of the National Land Information System (NLIS) across 22 zonal offices, nearly 300,000 freehold titles issued, and the registration of over 909 Communal Land Associations. Furthermore, the digitization of land services has generated more than UGX 1.031 trillion in non-tax revenue.
Despite these advancements, ongoing assessments have identified persistent issues such as land conflicts, outdated laws, fragmented institutions, environmental degradation, and chronic underfunding in the land sector. These challenges have paved the way for the proposed revised National Land Policy (2025), which aims to reposition land as a crucial driver of economic transformation, aligning with the National Development Plan IV and Uganda Vision 2040.
In closing the Kapeeka workshop, General Saleh cautioned that issues like land theft, fraud, corruption, and disparities between landlords and tenants continue to plague many Ugandans daily. He urged for an expedited implementation of reforms to prevent policy from continuing to fall behind the pace of development.
The Ministry of Lands has indicated that the findings from this validation process will inform final adjustments to the revised policy before it is submitted for approval. The primary goal remains to enhance equity, accountability, and efficiency in land administration throughout Uganda.
