UGANDA, Masindi | Real Muloodi News | In response to rising concerns about potential security threats and unregulated land transactions, Masindi District security officials have initiated measures to tighten security and enforce legal clearance for individuals seeking to lease land for agricultural purposes.
Farmers arriving from external areas are now required to register promptly with village chairpersons for security verification and legal clearance before engaging in any agricultural activities.
The move aims to address the increasing number of labourers, including those from neighbouring districts, seeking land without undergoing essential security checks through local council registration.
Bwoohe Manisur, the chairperson of Kijunjubwa Sub-county, expressed his apprehension, citing cases where 15 families have occupied 36 acres of disputed land in the area without proper registration.
The lack of registration not only poses a security threat but also contributes to the escalation of conflicts.
Under the guidance of the district security committee, the sub-county leadership has set a deadline of February 15 for unknown families in the area to register and acquire land without conflict. Failure to comply may result in further complications in the ongoing land conflict.
Residents, like Mr Simon Peter Sasu from Kibuku District, acknowledged leasing land without undergoing the local council registration process.
He mentioned being misled by a broker who assured him that all formalities were settled upon payment of Shs1.5 million for hiring the land.
Unaware of the land dispute, Mr. Sasu expressed the hope that he would be allowed to harvest his maize before vacating.
To streamline security efforts and verify the legal status of individuals, Mr Ronald Ochand, the officer in charge of Kijunjubwa Police Post, emphasised the importance of registering casual workers and those seeking land for farming.
Masindi Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Emmy Ngabirano, underscored the potential security threats posed by unregistered individuals, urging them to follow proper channels by registering with local councils.
He emphasised the need for a smoother process that ensures both the safety and legality of land usage for those engaged in agriculture.
As Masindi tightens security measures, the focus is on creating a regulated and secure environment for land transactions, mitigating potential conflicts, and safeguarding the interests of both labourers and authorities involved in Masindi land dealings.
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