Lukyamuzi calls for new land law on tenants

KAMPALA - John Ken Lukyamuzi (pictured), the leader of Conservative Party (CP), has proposed introduction of a new land law to arbitrate land owners and tenants.

He told reporters in Kampala on Thursday that the land laws in Uganda give powers to land owners who sale land without the consent of tenants.

"Tenants are not protected by the land laws in the country. Landlords sell off land to buyers without seeking permission from tenants. Tenants need protection."

Lukyamuzi blamed parliament for not putting in place any land law which is in conformity with the three land tenure systems in the country.

He stressed that parliament has failed to distinctly define land which is owned by the citizens of Uganda separate from land which is a non-lease, adding that it's a violation of rights of the Ugandans.

Many tenants have lost property and lives because of betrayal and greed from landlords in the country, said the CP leader.

"I would like to challenge government for failing to regulate the relationship between landlords and bibanja holders [tenants]. Even after failing to do so, it cannot buy land for suffering bibanja holders."

Lukyamuzi attributed famine in some parts of the country to land grabbing, saying Ugandans lack where to grow crops.

"The Constitution gives right to every Ugandan to own land. Why should land be given to foreigners yet the local people are suffering from drought and famine?"

Article 237(1) and 26 of the Constitution of Uganda gives right to every citizen to own land as an individual or in association with others.

Lukyamuzi condemned the new proposed land law that gives government powers to take over land either before or after compensating owners, arguing that that it's intended to give government powers to own land.

"Government wants to own land by force in cases where government valuer's rate of compensation is rejected by the owner of the land."

The former Rubaga South MP relates the proposed land law to what he termed as a move to revive Milton Obote's 1960s strategy to nationalize land in Uganda through Betty Amongin.

On Makerere University

Meanwhile, Lukyamuzi called for the reopening of Makerere University as inquiries go on to enable the committee to establish the causes of the strike at the institution.

"The inquiry committee should engage students, working staff and lecturers for them to have a comprehensive solution to strikes at Makerere University. This can be done if the institution is open."

He however condemned the appointment of the Auditor General to the inquiry committee, adding that its double jeopardy as the latter has been compiling reports concerning Makerere university issues.