Dates: 26th – 30th August 2024 

Theme: Promoting Land Rights & Land Use for Inclusiveness & Sustainable Development

Host: Eastern Archdiocesan Development Network (EADEN)

Organizer: Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development (MLHUD) in collaboration with Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM Uganda)

The 8th National Land Awareness Week (LAW) 2024, held in the Busoga Subregion, brought together farming communities, local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other key stakeholders to raise awareness on land rights, governance, and sustainable land use practices. The event, which covered nine districts—Mayuge, Iganga, Kaliro, Bugiri, Jinja, Luuka, Namayingo, Bugweri, and Kamuli—focused on empowering local communities to understand land laws, secure land ownership, and engage in environmental management.

Hosted by the Eastern Archdiocesan Development Network (EADEN) and organized by Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM Uganda), the 8th National Land Awareness Week (26th to 30th August 2024) was a significant event aimed at educating the people of Busoga Sub-Region about their land rights. The event, which focused on various aspects of land ownership and management, saw community members in Namasagali being taken through the steps of acquiring Certificates of Customary Land Ownership (CLAs).

EADEN played a central role in Mobilizing 9 districts from Busoga Sub-region, guiding residents on the importance of securing their land, with experts walking them through the process of acquiring CLAs. Participants were urged to formalize their land holdings through registration, which would not only provide legal security but also enable the land to be used as collateral for loans. The discussions highlighted the crucial need for proper documentation, especially in regions where ancestral lands often lack titles, leading to disputes that can persist for years.

 Key Highlights

1. Land Tenure Systems: Participants were educated on Uganda’s four land tenure systems—Leasehold, Freehold, Mailo, and Customary—helping them understand their land rights and ownership options.
2. Mobile Legal Aid Clinics: Lawyers and paralegals conducted 29 legal aid clinics across the subregion, offering free legal advice to over 300 individuals, addressing issues related to land disputes, inheritance, and ownership.
3. Radio Talk Shows: Local FM stations, including RFM, Voice FM, Kiira FM, and East FM, held live discussions to reach a broader audience, raising awareness on the importance of securing land titles and knowing one’s rights.

 Key Lessons for Communities

• Survey Your Land: Accurate boundaries prevent disputes.
• Title Your Land: Secure legal ownership.
• Visit Your Land Often: Protect your property from encroachment.
• Make a Will: Avoid future inheritance conflicts.
• Don’t Fear to Pursue Justice in Court: Legal options are available to resolve land issues.

 Emerging Issues from Busoga Subregion

The event revealed several critical land rights challenges:

• High Titling Costs: Many residents struggle to obtain land titles due to prohibitive fees and bureaucratic processes.
• Land Grabbing: Numerous cases of land grabbing were reported, particularly in areas where sugarcane growers and local leaders were involved in fraudulent land sales.
• Inheritance Issues: Women, widows, and girl child orphans are often denied their rightful inheritance and land rights.
• Lack of Awareness: There is limited knowledge of the SLAC program, which has led to confusion and disputes over land registration.

 Commitments and Call to Action

Local leaders and stakeholders committed to addressing these pressing issues:

• Mayuge District Local Government pledged to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in reclaiming their lost land.
• Kaliro District Resident Commissioner committed to assisting residents in navigating the land registration process and securing titles.

Call to Action:

– Legal Reforms: Communities have called for reforms to make land titling affordable and accessible.

– Increased Awareness: More education on land rights and the SLAC program is urgently needed.

– Training for Land Committees: Improved training for local land committees is essential for addressing fraudulent practices and ensuring accountability.

Conclusion

The 8th National Land Awareness Week 2024 was a pivotal event in advancing land rights and governance in the Busoga Subregion. Through continued efforts from EADEN, PELUM Uganda, and MLHUD, communities are gaining the knowledge and tools to secure their land rights and contribute to sustainable development.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue working to empower local communities in Busoga and beyond!