Govt tightens land controls as disputes rise

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Faced with a sharp rise in land-related disputes, the Ugandan government is moving to tighten oversight, enforce existing laws, and introduce new technologies aimed at restoring order to one of the country’s most contested sectors.

At the centre of the response is a directive that shifts how land transactions and evictions are handled on the ground.

Under Administrative Circular No. 1 of 2025, Resident District Commissioners and city authorities are now required to take a more active role in overseeing land processes.

No eviction, the Ministry of Lands has emphasised, should take place without the involvement of district security committees and consultation with the Ministry itself.

And the message is clear: enforcement will no longer be left to chance.

The circular introduces stricter checks on land transactions, particularly for larger parcels, above 0.5 acres in central Uganda and one acre elsewhere. These must now be inspected to verify ownership and identify any competing interests before subdivision or transfer is approved.

It also places limits on who can carry out evictions. Administrators, heirs, and beneficiaries of estates are explicitly barred from evicting occupants, a move aimed at curbing abuses that have become increasingly common.

The Ministry has also discouraged the use of private security guards on disputed land, calling for tighter regulation of private security companies.

For court-sanctioned evictions, the rules are equally precise. Evictions must follow a strict process: a valid court order, proper identification of those enforcing it, notification of authorities, and advance notice of between 90 and 120 days. They must be carried out during daytime, respect human dignity, and avoid weekends and public holidays.

“The Ministry emphasises the need to STRICTLY observe these requirements,” the statement noted, underscoring a growing concern that procedures are often ignored.

Besides enforcement, which is not the only solution being pursued, the government is also turning to technology. Plans are underway to introduce blockchain and artificial intelligence systems to reduce fraud in land transactions, an acknowledgement that paper-based systems are increasingly vulnerable to manipulation.

At the same time, mass land titling programmes aim to clarify ownership, resolve boundary disputes, and support the judiciary in identifying legitimate landholders.

Other measures focus on awareness and capacity. Public sensitisation campaigns are being rolled out to educate citizens on their rights, while land management institutions are undergoing retooling to improve service delivery.

Altogether, these interventions reflect a shift in approach, from reactive dispute resolution to preventive governance.

In her closing remarks, Minister Judith Nabakooba reaffirmed the government’s position.

“I wish to reaffirm government’s unwavering commitment in protecting citizens’ land rights and ensuring social justice and harmony,” she said, urging all stakeholders to follow established legal procedures.