UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Senior Presidential Assistant on Special Duties, Phiona Barungi, has called for the introduction of stricter laws to combat land grabbing in Uganda, citing the increasing involvement of law firms in perpetuating these illegal practices. Land grabbing has long been a contentious issue in the country, with numerous citizens and communities affected.
At a recent public event, Barungi emphasised the role that law firms play in enabling land grabbers, often through the preparation and execution of fraudulent documents. “It is unacceptable that law firms are complicit in the theft of people’s land,” Barungi said. She urged the government to implement stricter laws to hold these entities accountable and prevent future injustices.
Land grabbing involves the illegal acquisition of land through various means, including forgery, intimidation, and misuse of legal frameworks. It has caused significant socio-economic harm, particularly to vulnerable communities.
Barungi pointed out that some law firms have played an instrumental role in land-grabbing cases. In one case, a prominent law firm helped orchestrate the transfer of land from a village to a wealthy businessman, using forged documents. Other allegations include firms intimidating victims and leveraging legal expertise to pressure landowners into relinquishing their property.
This systemic issue has undermined public trust in Uganda’s legal and judicial systems, with victims often finding it difficult to seek justice. The complexity of land laws and the influence of complicit firms exacerbate the problem.
Uganda’s existing legal frameworks for addressing land disputes and property rights have been criticised as inadequate. Barungi emphasised the need for more stringent deterrents to curb land grabbing.
She proposed that stricter laws should include measures to criminalise the involvement of legal professionals in fraudulent land deals, strengthen penalties for individuals and organisations found guilty of land grabbing, and ensure more transparent processes for land ownership documentation.
“Tougher laws will provide protection for victims, deter potential offenders, and ensure that perpetrators face consequences,” Barungi added.
Barungi’s appeal aligns with growing public frustration. Advocacy groups and affected communities have consistently called for reforms to address land grabbing. These groups argue that current policies fail to protect citizens from powerful entities exploiting legal loopholes.
Many Ugandans have demanded the establishment of specialised courts to handle land disputes, which could expedite cases and deliver justice more effectively. In addition, they advocate for broader legal literacy campaigns to educate citizens about their land rights.
Land-grabbing incidents have become increasingly prominent in Uganda. Reports often highlight the involvement of influential individuals or organisations in acquiring land illegally. The consequences of such practices include displacement of families, loss of livelihoods, and increased social tensions.
In one well-documented case, a local community lost its ancestral land to a developer, with forged documents authenticated by a law firm. The community’s legal battle has continued for years with no resolution in sight.
Barungi’s call for reforms has added momentum to the debate around land grabbing.
The government has expressed a willingness to address the issue with initiatives such as land audits and investigations into fraudulent transfers.
Stricter laws, combined with effective enforcement, could deter illegal activities, protect vulnerable populations, and rebuild confidence in Uganda’s justice system. With ongoing advocacy and governmental commitment, addressing the challenge of land grabbing may soon become a reality.
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