Poor land tenure stifling investments
A sh7.6b economic recovery analysis study has been launched in northern Uganda to identify barriers hampering the economic growth in the region.<br>
By Chris Ocowun
A sh7.6b economic recovery analysis study has been launched in northern Uganda to identify barriers hampering the economic growth in the region.
Dr. Maggie Kigozi, the head of the Uganda Investment Authority, recognised recently that the customary land ownership system in Uganda was the biggest barrier hindering investment opportunities.
She argued that people should be comfortable leasing out land to investors since it will be given back to them with the investments.
“We need to understand the land tenure system. You cannot go to the banks with the title of customary land and expect to be given a loan,†Kigozi said at a meeting with the local leaders in Gulu recently.
The leaders called for the amendment of the land ownership system so that the Government can give land to investors as soon as they need it as a way of attracting foreign investments.
Kigozi pointed out that the contributions of the small and medium enterprises should not be overlooked but instead helped to grow.
She proposed that stories about the past leaders like Idi Amin, Milton Obote and even the LRA leader, Joseph Kony, be documented because tourists would want to know about them.
“Let’s also have an attitude of welcome to investors and show them the land where they can invest,†she said.
Outgoing northern Uganda minister, David Wakikona, said land ownership was a sensitive matter that needed discussion at all levels.
A sh7.6b economic recovery analysis study has been launched in northern Uganda to identify barriers hampering the economic growth in the region.
Dr. Maggie Kigozi, the head of the Uganda Investment Authority, recognised recently that the customary land ownership system in Uganda was the biggest barrier hindering investment opportunities.
She argued that people should be comfortable leasing out land to investors since it will be given back to them with the investments.
“We need to understand the land tenure system. You cannot go to the banks with the title of customary land and expect to be given a loan,†Kigozi said at a meeting with the local leaders in Gulu recently.
The leaders called for the amendment of the land ownership system so that the Government can give land to investors as soon as they need it as a way of attracting foreign investments.
Kigozi pointed out that the contributions of the small and medium enterprises should not be overlooked but instead helped to grow.
She proposed that stories about the past leaders like Idi Amin, Milton Obote and even the LRA leader, Joseph Kony, be documented because tourists would want to know about them.
“Let’s also have an attitude of welcome to investors and show them the land where they can invest,†she said.
Outgoing northern Uganda minister, David Wakikona, said land ownership was a sensitive matter that needed discussion at all levels.