UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | A new commission to save public land in cities has begun a nationwide campaign to secure government-owned land and prevent illegal encroachments, officials say. The initiative, led by the Uganda Land Commission (ULC), aims to identify, record and protect public land across major urban centres, including Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara and Gulu.
Commissioners describe the exercise as urgent and necessary, citing widespread cases where government land has been illegally occupied, misused, or eyed for fraudulent sale.
“Public land belongs to the people and must be safeguarded,” said a senior commissioner at a stakeholder meeting in Kampala. “This campaign will ensure transparent land records and confront land grabbing that disadvantages communities and cities alike.”
The campaign is being implemented in phases, starting with sixteen cities and municipalities. Officials from the commission have been touring city halls and district offices, working closely with city land boards, physical planners and local authorities to update historical land records.
The aim is to create a comprehensive digital inventory of all government land, tracing ownership back to colonial era records where necessary.
This systematic approach is designed to combat long-standing issues with encroachment and illegal titles. According to officials, improper documentation and outdated land registers have made it easier for unscrupulous individuals and investors to claim parcels of public land under dubious titles.
In some cases, public property intended for community services like schools, healthcare centres or administrative offices has been lost or stalled due to unclear ownership.
An official leading the exercise told local leaders in Tororo Municipality that the campaign will also examine leases and titles that have been granted without proper legal basis.
“Once we determine the history of the land and confirm its status, irregular titles held by encroachers will be cancelled,” she said. “We urge citizens to understand that occupying government land without approval carries consequences.”
City and municipal land boards are being engaged to help verify records and update databases that reflect current land use. This collaborative effort seeks to strengthen accountability and prevent future disputes over land ownership in urban areas where space is increasingly in demand.
Experts say these efforts could have far-reaching implications for urban planning and development. With reliable land records, city authorities can implement physical planning frameworks more effectively, ensuring that public land is used for infrastructure projects, parks, public housing, and other community needs.
Planners also warn that poorly recorded land information has contributed to disputes and stalled projects in several urban centres.
Citizens and civil society groups have welcomed the Commission’s initiative, but some urge swift implementation and strong enforcement.
“We need action on the ground, not just promises,” said one resident representative in Mbarara. “People have seen government land encroached upon for years. If this commission succeeds, it will be a major victory for urban communities.”
Officials underline that the campaign is just the beginning of a larger strategy to protect public land. They emphasize the importance of public awareness and participation, calling on residents to report suspected land grabbing and support efforts to secure government property.
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