UGANDA, Rubanda | Real Muloodi News | Hon. Henry Musasizi, the State Minister of Finance (General Duties), has called upon residents in Rubanda District to obtain land titles as a safeguard against potential land-grabbing incidents.
The district has recently experienced several cases of land disputes, underscoring the importance of land tenure security for local landowners.
In October of last year, an alarming incident unfolded when 80-year-old Sikora Kokyenga, a resident of Kandiihe Village in Nyaruhanga Parish, Ikumba Sub-county, Rubanda District, faced the imminent threat of losing her 25-acre land to individuals engaging in dubious land transactions.
Kokyenga’s legal battle suffered a setback when the crucial ruling file granting her full land rights mysteriously disappeared from the Kabale High Court office. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in her losing a court case against her nephew, Furugence Kanyamugara.
Adding to the district’s land-related woes, authorities recently intervened in another contentious land dispute involving allegations against Rubanda Woman Member of Parliament, Prossy Akampurira Begumisa Mbabazi.
Locals accused Mbabazi of encroaching on public land in Karengyere Muko Sub-county, prompting official scrutiny of the matter.
Minister Musasizi addressed these pressing land issues during his keynote speech at the 30th Anniversary celebration of Rev Fr Dominic Tumusiime’s priesthood.
The event also served as a fundraising platform for the construction of the Permanent Yesu Ahurire church in Kakihuma, Rubanda Town Council.
During his address, Minister Musasizi outlined ongoing efforts to safeguard various lands in Rubanda District, including Kakihuma land, Katugunda, and Kabirzi Playground in Rubanda town council, from potential land grabbers.
He stressed the critical importance of acquiring land titles for both Community and Church Lands to prevent illegal land seizures and ensure land tenure security for residents.
Acknowledging the role of government legislation in resolving land conflicts, Minister Musasizi credited the Land Act for its role in protecting Kakihuma land and facilitating the processing of land titles by District officials.
He expressed gratitude to the NRM leadership, particularly President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for their commitment to enacting laws aimed at addressing land-related challenges in Uganda.
Minister Musasizi also encouraged residents to explore income-generating projects at the household level, emphasising the prudent utilisation of available land resources to improve livelihoods.
He urged community members to embrace government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, which aims to empower local communities and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level.
In his closing remarks, Rev Fr Tumusiime urged Christians to prioritise giving back to God and their communities, underscoring the importance of love in fostering prosperity.
The fundraising event garnered significant support, raising over 40 million shillings and securing 75 pledges for the construction of Yesu Ahurire, Kakihuma Catholic Church, under Rubanda Catholic Parish.
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