Scholar scolds Lands Ministry over errant officials

Dr. Fred Muhumuza, a renowned economist, has called for the ‘sacking' of all people running the area land committees at sub counties and district (land) boards to curb property grabbing.

Muhumuza said there is almost no point in the Lands Ministry cancelling land titles, but leaving the culprits who aided the creation of false (titles) in positions of responsibility.

The land registry creates titles for individuals (applications) on recommendations from the sub county area land committees and district land boards.

"You (lands minister Betty Amongi) have been cancelling titles. But the members of the area land committees and land boards who recommended in reports that those titles be created are still in charge. I am wondering why they cannot removed," Muhumuza stated.

He was speaking during a national land dialogue organized by the lands ministry and a consortium of civil society organizations.

Since some of the titles have been created for the alleged land grabbers behind the backs of the real property owners, Muhumuza suggested that applications for titles be announced publicly, including in places of worship.

"Let the applications for land titling be announced in churches and Mosques where people meet every week. Then the people shall know who is trying to grab which land - the same way it is done for people intending to marry," he added.

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Betty Amongi. Photo by Godiver Asege

Amongi said the ongoing nationwide geodetic survey will render it difficult for people to apply for titles in public land including forests and wetlands.