UGANDA, Kyankwanzi | Real Muloodi News | Persistent land disputes in Kyankwanzi District are impeding progress on real estate development and other related initiatives, according to Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba.
Many disputes involve government-owned land with expired leasehold titles, creating conflicts between former leaseholders and current occupants.
“We are exploring ways to guide districts on managing expired leases and land still under lease but not in possession,” Nabakooba said during a recent visit to Kyankwanzi.
She noted that unresolved land disputes disproportionately affect areas like the Kyankwanzi cattle corridor, where vast tracts of idle land remain under dispute.
One major conflict centers around a 7-square-mile ranch in Kyankwanzi allocated to Makerere University in 1989.
Although the land is officially registered under the university, 78 sitting tenants claim ownership and have resisted vacating.
Banda Sub-county Chairperson Peter Kabatangare urged a resolution, saying, “We need to address the issue of squatters because they have no alternative land to relocate to.”
Residents report additional challenges tied to expired leases.
Wilberforce Wankangala of Kiryamusunku Village said, “Some ex-servicemen had leases on five square miles of land, which expired. Despite lacking ownership documents, they still claim the land and demand payments from squatters.”
These demands have reportedly escalated tensions, creating further disputes.
The government has directed local leaders to investigate and resolve these conflicts. Nabakooba tasked the deputy Resident District Commissioner, Perusi Kabale, with submitting a comprehensive report within a month.
Villages affected by disputes include Kiryamusunku A and B, Ttendero A and B, Kikuya, and Kijuubya.
The conflicts have also disrupted financial stability. Some beneficiaries of government programs, including the Parish Development Model, face repayment challenges due to land-related issues.
Despite receiving UShs22 billion in two phases over two fiscal years, progress has stalled in some areas.
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