By Our Reporter
MBALE CITY
The State Minister for Lands in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, who also serves as the area Member of Parliament for Buwama County in Bundibugyo District, Harriet Ntabazi, has urged government officials to work hard and acquire their own land instead of grabbing or encroaching on government land.
The Minister made the remarks while addressing stakeholders during a meeting held at Mbale Resort Hotel on Thursday, 10th September under the theme, “Regional Stakeholders Workshop on the Development of a Comprehensive Land Inventory.”
The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including Resident District Commissioners, LC5 chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers, officials from the Uganda Land Commission, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and other stakeholders from the Bugisu, Teso and Bukedi sub regions.
According to the Minister, some government officials have made it a habit to grab or encroach on government land in areas where they work, including schools, hospitals and government headquarters, among others.
Ntabazi instead encouraged the officials to work hard and acquire their own land to avoid conflicts with the government, warning that she would take action against those involved in land grabbing.
She also called on local leaders to work closely with the Ministry of Lands and the Uganda Land Commission to fight land grabbing, bribery and corruption in local governments.
Meanwhile, Natubu Geoffrey Wafukhulu, the LC5 Chairperson for Bududa District and one of the participants, appreciated the Ministry of Lands and the Uganda Land Commission for engaging local leaders on land related issues.
In his submission, Natubu also raised concerns over a road that passes through the staff quarters of the Bulucheke Health Center IV, saying it has caused wrangles because the community has not accepted the proposed alternative route and they have dragged them to court.
Emma Bwayo, the LC 5 Chairperson for Namisindwa district said they have experienced numerous land-related challenges in the communities.
He noted that the Ministry should move beyond boardrooms and increase its presence in the field to better understand and address the realities faced by communities.
Bwayo also noted that the Ministry should also prioritize key stakeholders, particularly the welfare and facilitation of District Land Boards, including providing adequate support for their operations and movements. Strengthening these structures will improve land management, dispute resolution, and service delivery to communities.
In response, Minister Ntabazi said she would follow up on the matter to ensure that the process is properly adjudicated.
