As the 8th Land Awareness Week (LAW) concludes in Busoga sub-region, the significance of the event resonated strongly with the local communities and stakeholders involved.
Under the theme “Promoting Land Rights and Land Use for Inclusiveness and Sustainable Development,” the week-long initiative held from 26 to 30 August 2024 aimed to enhance the capacity of local communities, including women, men, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups to effectively engage in land governance.
The event commenced with a march through Iganga Town symbolizing the collective commitment to addressing land-related challenges. Throughout the week, the initiative covered Namutumba, Iganga, Bugiri, Mayuge, Buyende, Kaliro, Jinja, Luuka, Bugweri and Namayingo with each district hosting a series of activities designed to promote awareness of land rights and sustainable land use.
Kaliro District Senior Land Officer Julius Naita, highlighted the critical role of the Land Awareness Week in educating the public about the registration of Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs).
“This initiative has been instrumental in dispelling fears of land grabbing and empowering our communities with the knowledge they need to secure their land rights,” Naita stated.
His remarks underscored the importance of the event in a region where land disputes have often hindered development efforts. Kaliro District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fred Bangu actively participated in the event providing a clear indication of the government’s commitment to addressing land-related issues in the region.
Key stakeholders participated in the the Land Awareness Week including representatives from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD), civil society organizations including Land Equity Movement in Uganda (LEMU) Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children Welfare (UCOBAC) and the Ujamaa Foundation.
The Ujamaa Foundation is supporting MLHUD in collaboration with the Cadasta Foundation and support from the Rising Tide Foundation and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in an initiative to secure 25,000 CCOs in the Busoga Sub-region by January 2027.
The initiative is making significant strides in securing land rights, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development.
Alex Bwogi, a representative from the Ujamaa Foundation, shared the progress of their ongoing project which has just commenced in Kaliro District. In neighboring Namutumba District, 5,432 parcels have already been demarcated in Magada and Ivukula Sub-Counties. Notably, 72% of these parcels are owned by women or jointly by men and women, demonstrating the project’s strong emphasis on gender equality.
“The registration of Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) is not just about issuing certificates; it’s about recognizing and validating the land rights of thousands of individuals, particularly women, who have long been marginalized in land ownership matters,” Bwoji explained.
The project, which began its first phase of demarcation in January 2024, has already had a profound impact on the communities in the region.
Following extensive high-level sensitization completed in late 2023 and early 2024, village-level sensitization further expanded the project’s reach.
The meticulous five-step plan, starting with stakeholder outreach and engagement, followed by training and field testing, has ensured that the community understands the significance of the initiative.
The hands-on approach of household and parcel data collection not only gathers necessary data, but also fosters trust and cooperation among residents. Subsequent data review and quality control processes ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information collected, a critical step before government approval and certificate issuance.
Through securing land rights, the project is fostering a sense of ownership and security among residents, particularly women, who have historically been disadvantaged in land matters.
The registration of CCOs significantly strengthens land tenure security, reduces land-related conflict, and provides opportunities for farmers to use their land as collateral in banks and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
The efforts in Busoga sub-region set a powerful precedent for other regions in Uganda and beyond. The collaboration between the government, organizations, and communities is a testament to what can be achieved when working towards a common goal. As the Land Awareness Week draws to a close, the impact of these initiatives will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of land rights and sustainable development in Uganda.
