The Government of Uganda has released the first batch of 1,500 systematic land adjudication and certification (SLAAC) free hold titles to beneficiaries in Mbarara city, Rwampara, Ibanda and Kiruhura districts.

Lands minister Judith Nabakooba is scheduled to hand over the certificate of titles to the beneficiaries on Saturday (August 20) at the ministry's zonal office in Kamukuzi in Mbarara city.

The minister wrote a letter on this to the mentioned district and city officials.

The SLAAC programme is aimed at demarcating and issuing certificates of title to all beneficiaries in the selected parishes in districts in order to enhance land tenure security.

The programme is part of the competitiveness and enterprise development project (CEDP), which was implemented by the lands ministry and supported by the World Bank.

In her letter, Minister Nabakooba said the beneficiaries paid the land requisition fees and are now set to receive their titles.

According to the list sent to the district officials, 801 of the titles will be handed to beneficiaries in Mbarara city while 209 will be for those in Rwampara district.

The other 490 will be for owners in Kiruhura and Ibanda districts.

Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, the mayor of Mbarara City North division, said the selected beneficiaries are from Nyabuhama and Rwenjeru wards in former Biharwe Division.

The others are from Mbarara City South Division.

Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, the MP of Mbarara City North, said applicants are relieved to be finally having their titles, saying they are now sure that their land is secure.

He appealed to the government to speed up the certificates for other beneficiaries in the second phase.