News
UHRC concludes research on human rights issues in Buganda
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has validated a research report on persistent land conflicts in Buganda, highlighting how overlapping land rights under the 1900 Buganda Agreement and Mailo tenure system, population growth and weak land administration continue to fuel disputes, forced evictions and prolonged legal battles.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) acting secretary Kamadi Byonabye. (File)
By: Rhyman Agaba, Journalist @New Vision
_______________
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has officially concluded the validation of its research report on persistent land conflicts and human rights issues in the Buganda region.
This important milestone marks the culmination of a rigorous, evidence-based study aimed at better understanding the complex land challenges affecting the region.
During the validation meeting, UHRC staff, commissioners, government representatives, cultural institution delegates, and other stakeholders critically reviewed the findings.
They highlighted the deep-rooted nature of land disputes in Buganda, tracing back to the historic 1900 Buganda Agreement and the Mailo land tenure system, which established overlapping rights between registered titleholders and lawful occupants.
The research underscored how population growth, urbanisation, competing land claims, weak administration, and socio-economic factors continue to fuel insecurity, forced evictions, prolonged legal battles, and social disintegration, according to commissioner Shifrah Lukwago, who presided over the closing ceremony in Kampala on October 22.
Also present was UHRC acting secretary Kamadi Byonabye and commissioners; Crispin Kaheru and Omara Apita
"The research paints a vivid picture of the human impact, from tenant families facing displacement to landlords struggling with enforcement of their rights," Lukwago said.
She noted that the study does not assign blame, but provides a solid foundation for informed policy, legal, and community interventions.
The research underscored how population growth, urbanisation, competing land claims, weak administration, and socio-economic factors continue to fuel insecurity, forced evictions, prolonged legal battles, and social disintegration, according to commissioner Shifrah Lukwago, who presided over the closing ceremony in Kampala on October 22.
Also present was UHRC acting secretary Kamadi Byonabye and commissioners; Crispin Kaheru and Omara Apita
"The research paints a vivid picture of the human impact, from tenant families facing displacement to landlords struggling with enforcement of their rights," Lukwago said.
She noted that the study does not assign blame, but provides a solid foundation for informed policy, legal, and community interventions.
"The validation process will strengthen the report through constructive feedback and practical recommendations, ensuring that the final document reflects both rigorous research and the collective experience of UHRC staff," said Lukwago.
Stakeholders, including representatives from the Buganda Kingdom and government officials, affirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts addressing land rights, recognising the critical role of cultural institutions and public authorities in achieving lasting solutions.
UHRC reaffirmed its responsibility as a constitutional guardian of human rights to ensure that the findings translate into effective monitoring, advisory roles, public education, investigations, and partnerships aimed at protecting the rights of both landowners and occupants.
Lukwago expressed gratitude to the research team for their professionalism and to the communities who courageously shared their stories.
The Commission called on all involved to use the research as a tool for advocacy and justice, promoting peace, dignity, and sustainable development in Buganda and beyond.
Stakeholders, including representatives from the Buganda Kingdom and government officials, affirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts addressing land rights, recognising the critical role of cultural institutions and public authorities in achieving lasting solutions.
UHRC reaffirmed its responsibility as a constitutional guardian of human rights to ensure that the findings translate into effective monitoring, advisory roles, public education, investigations, and partnerships aimed at protecting the rights of both landowners and occupants.
Lukwago expressed gratitude to the research team for their professionalism and to the communities who courageously shared their stories.
The Commission called on all involved to use the research as a tool for advocacy and justice, promoting peace, dignity, and sustainable development in Buganda and beyond.