The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has called on religious leaders across Uganda to take a more active role in addressing land disputes affecting churches, mosques and other faith-based institutions.Nabakooba said religious leaders should promptly report land ownership challenges to the relevant authorities instead of allowing disputes to remain unresolved until they escalate.She made the remarks during a requiem mass for John Livingstone Kataza, 73, the principal of Namutamba Teacher Training College and head of the Mityana Anglican Christian Fraternity, who died earlier this week in a road accident.
According to Nabakooba, several religious institutions continue to face land-related challenges because ownership disputes and suspected fraudulent transactions are often reported too late.“We encourage all religious leaders to speak out whenever land issues arise. Do not suffer quietly. Bring these matters to the attention of the relevant authorities so that we can guide you and provide the necessary support,” she said.The minister warned that failing to report land disputes can expose religious institutions to the risk of losing their properties through fraudulent transactions, encroachment or other illegal activities.“Many of your institutions are losing land simply because the leaders shy away from reporting the problems,” Nabakooba added.She assured faith-based organisations that the Lands Ministry remains committed to working with them to improve land documentation, promote transparency and resolve long-standing ownership disputes.
Nabakooba also urged religious leaders to use their influence to educate members of their congregations about lawful land acquisition and the importance of obtaining proper documentation.“You have influence in your communities. Use your platforms to educate people about the right procedures for buying, registering, and using land,” she said.Her call comes amid continued land disputes in Uganda, with many cases attributed to inadequate documentation, fraudulent land sales, encroachment and competing claims over institutional property.Nabakooba said greater awareness and early reporting of land-related challenges could help prevent disputes from developing into costly and prolonged conflicts.
