Mukono District authorities have launched a major crackdown on land dealers and local leaders accused of facilitating the illegal sale of undersized plots, as officials move to restore order in the district’s rapidly expanding communities. The operation targets individuals and companies that continue to subdivide land into plots that fall below approved planning standards, a practice authorities say is creating serious development challenges.
The district leadership has raised concern over the growing trend of selling plots measuring as little as 20 by 30 feet and 20 by 50 feet in areas such as Nakifuma, Kasawo, Kimenyede, and Kyampisi. Officials argue that these tiny plots are encouraging haphazard settlement patterns that make it difficult to provide proper roads, drainage systems, and other essential public services.
The concerns were highlighted during a meeting where consultants from Latitude Consult Limited presented updates on Mukono’s Physical Development Plan. The plan is intended to guide future growth and ensure that urban expansion takes place in a structured and sustainable manner. District leaders believe the initiative will help address years of uncontrolled development.Nakifuma-Nagalama Town Clerk Kizito Walubi called for stronger cooperation between local authorities and the judiciary, saying effective enforcement will only be achieved if all government institutions work together.
He stressed that individuals who continue to disregard planning regulations must face legal consequences to deter others from engaging in similar activities.Mukono District Physical Planner Hamuza Kamoga noted that the district’s fast population growth has outpaced proper planning, resulting in congestion, environmental degradation, and increased pressure on public infrastructure. According to him, the Physical Development Plan is expected to provide a roadmap for orderly land use and better management of future developments.Kamoga also directed all town clerks to closely monitor land transactions within their jurisdictions.
He instructed them to ensure that every land sale agreement is registered through village structures and warned that monthly compliance inspections will be carried out. Those found participating in illegal land transactions risk prosecution under existing laws.The district’s Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Daniel Kamara, warned that the sale of undersized plots violates provisions of the Physical Planning Act. He further criticized media outlets that advertise such plots, arguing that these promotions mislead the public and fuel illegal activities. Kamara called upon the Uganda Communications Commission to take action against platforms that continue to run such advertisements.
Despite enforcement efforts, some experts acknowledge that legal gaps still exist. Latitude Consult physical planner Ambrose Buyinza explained that while laws regulate land subdivision, there is currently no specific legislation preventing individuals from purchasing small plots. Nevertheless, district officials remain determined to use available legal frameworks to combat illegal land sales. With nearly 20 land-selling companies reportedly operating in Nakifuma alone and plots selling for between Shs500,000 and Shs1 million, authorities say the crackdown will continue as they work to prevent unplanned settlements and protect Mukono’s future development.
