Ugandans abroad welcome digitalisation of land titles

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The Ugandan community in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands has welcomed the ongoing land reform initiatives by Uganda’s lands ministry aimed at protecting property owners from fraudulent land grabbers.

During a meeting with members of the diaspora in Perth last weekend, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dorcas Wagona Okalany, said the digitalisation of land titles was introduced to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security in land ownership and transactions.

“The digitalised system is designed to enable a smooth and transparent process in land acquisition, transfer, surveying, and planning, ensuring that all parties are properly aligned,” she said.

According to Okalany, more than 1.5 million land titles have already been digitised under the new system, which boasts a ten-day turnaround time for the processing of land titles.

“As long as all required documents are in order, a land title can be processed within ten days. At a cost of just 10,000 Ugandan shillings (less than four US dollars), landowners can also verify their land status online or through the ministry’s mobile application."

PS Okalany further revealed that incorporating landowners’ photographs and national identification numbers (NINs) into the digital database has significantly reduced cases of forgery and impersonation.

Landowners now receive automatic notifications via email or phone whenever any activity occurs on their land records, even when someone simply verifies ownership.

Members of the diaspora welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step towards restoring confidence in Uganda’s land administration system.

“This is a more streamlined process. Many of us had given up hope of reclaiming our land because the previous system was vague and riddled with corruption. Middlemen demanded bribes at every annoying stage,” said Charles Kasirye, one of the attendees.

Several participants shared personal experiences of threats, harassment, and even witchcraft from individuals attempting to seize their land.

Many Ugandans living abroad have lost property — often to close relatives — due to fraudulent transfers made in their absence. By the time they return home several years later, the land has already changed hands, and the long, costly, and intimidating process of recovery discourages them from pursuing justice.

The lands ministry delegation also included Principal Assistant Secretary Annet Kiraza, Acting Principal Information Technology Officer Jimmy Alani, and Senior Government Valuer Susan Tushabe, who held one-on-one discussions with members of the diaspora.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, the Chief of Citizenship and Immigration Control, advised Ugandans abroad to take advantage of government provisions for dual citizenship and permanent residence to safeguard their property rights.

“While the law protects your ownership, laws can change. It is important to use the available pathways to secure your property against potential legal or administrative challenges,” he cautioned.

“Use these opportunities that the government is offering you; don’t wait until the situation becomes difficult."

The event was also attended by officials from the Uganda High Commission, led by High Commissioner Dorothy Samalie Hyuha, representatives from the Uganda Tourism Board, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and members of the Ugandan diaspora community.

Uganda High Commission team, led by Amb. Dorothy Samalie Hyuha, responded to questions during the event

Her Worship Teressa Lynes, Mayor of the City of Gosnells, Western Australia (R) with the Ugandan team