UGANDA, Acholi | Real Muloodi News | In a landmark initiative, the Ugandan government, spearheaded by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, has embarked on the distribution of free Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) in Acholi Sub-region.
This significant undertaking, initiated on January 4, commenced in Agago District and is part of a broader effort to empower residents and address longstanding land-related challenges in the region.
The lands ministry, in collaboration with the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) Land component, with support from the European Union and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), has already processed 10,017 customary titles for 6,282 individuals in Paimol and Wol Sub-Counties. During the processing, males constituted 57 per cent, while females accounted for 43 per cent.
The primary objective of documenting and titling family, individual, and communal land is to foster peace in the region. This initiative aims to provide families and communities with the security of knowing that their land rights are officially recognised, enabling them to engage in agricultural activities without fear of encroachment.
Minister Nabakooba, addressing the gathering in Agago, outlined the broader scope of the project, emphasising the target to register 275,000 customary landowners across the country before 2026. This ambitious goal aligns with the government’s commitment to resolving land conflicts, ensuring land rights, and fostering sustainable development.
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, present at the ceremony, highlighted the transformative impact of the land registration initiative.
By officially recognising land ownership, it becomes a powerful tool against land grabbing and disputes in the region.
Moreover, the Chief Justice emphasised the opportunity to save individuals from unnecessary expenses, such as licenses on their own land.
Acknowledging potential concerns and challenges, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo urged the lands minister to engage with district leaders to educate local communities about the benefits of development and collaboration with investors.
He specifically cited a partnership with Terra Agri Solutions Limited, wherein the investor sought to rent registered customary land for the Parish to Market project.
Local leaders, represented by Mr Leonard Ojok, the Agago LCV Chairperson, raised concerns about potential forgeries and the need for the protection of landowners.
There have been reports of unknown individuals forging documents to offer land to investors, causing insecurity and anxiety among the local population.
One of the first beneficiaries, Mr. George Otto from Aringa East Village, expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts. His family, the Kaluke Katugu family, started the process of acquiring land documents in 2020, and despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now proud landowners.
Mr Otto appreciated the government for providing this opportunity to empower the less privileged, emphasising that the entire process cost his family only USh15,000.
This initiative marks a critical step in land empowerment in the Acholi sub-region, ensuring that residents have official recognition of their land ownership through free Certificates of Customary Ownership.
The broader implications include enhanced agricultural productivity, community development, and protection against potential exploitation of land rights.
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