The Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has urged churches and other religious institutions to survey and formally register their land to protect it from encroachment and ownership disputes.Nabakooba raised the concern while speaking during Uganda’s national observance of the Women’s World Day of Prayer at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral.She said many religious institutions across the country risk losing valuable properties because land acquired through donations or other arrangements was never properly surveyed and registered.
According to the minister, the Ministry of Lands continues to receive complaints involving church land that has been encroached upon, illegally occupied or subjected to court disputes.“This has left several church properties vulnerable to encroachers and opportunistic land grabbers who take advantage of the absence of proper land documentation,” Nabakooba said.She explained that securing legal titles would give religious institutions stronger protection and ensure that their land remains available for community services, including churches, schools and health facilities.“Proper land documentation is essential in protecting church property from encroachment and disputes. When church land is surveyed and legally registered, it safeguards the heritage of the church and ensures that these assets can continue serving communities for generations,” she said.The Women’s World Day of Prayer, observed by Christian women in more than 150 countries, was hosted in Uganda by the Uganda Orthodox Church under the Uganda Joint Christian Council, bringing together the Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Uganda.Nabakooba said the gathering provided an opportunity not only for spiritual reflection but also for discussing challenges affecting communities, including land management and protection of institutional property.She described religious institutions as important partners in national development, noting their contribution to education, healthcare, peacebuilding and community transformation.
The minister encouraged church leaders to use their influence to support government programmes aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.She particularly urged religious leaders to mobilise their congregations to participate in the Parish Development Model (PDM), which seeks to help households transition from subsistence production into the money economy.Nabakooba said churches can help create awareness about PDM and encourage members to use available opportunities to establish income-generating activities.“The church has a powerful influence within our communities. By encouraging members to participate in the Parish Development Model, the church can help many families access financial support, start small enterprises and improve their livelihoods,” she said.The minister also highlighted challenges affecting women and families, including gender-based violence, economic hardship and limited opportunities.
She called on believers to turn prayer and reflection into practical action that addresses such challenges.“As we gather in prayer and reflection, we must also acknowledge the challenges that many women and families across our country continue to face. Events such as this remind us that faith must inspire action,” Nabakooba said.She commended the Orthodox Church Mothers Uganda for using the event to highlight issues affecting women and promote empowerment initiatives.Nabakooba further encouraged Christians to use the occasion for spiritual renewal and greater commitment to serving their communities.She referred to the Biblical message in Matthew 11:28, saying it offers encouragement to people carrying heavy responsibilities in their families, workplaces and communities.The minister called on Christians to translate the spirit of prayer into practical efforts aimed at promoting justice, peace and prosperity in Uganda.
