Africa-Press – Uganda. Government has unveiled a series of measures to curb escalating land disputes and crimes, following a sharp rise in cases that officials warn is undermining investment, social stability, and land ownership rights.
Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba said the trend is alarming despite an existing legal framework meant to protect land tenure.
“The Ministry wishes to address the growing concern over increasing land-related disputes and crimes across the country despite the existence of the current legal and policy framework,” she said.
According to recent police data, land-related crimes rose by 67 percent, from 397 cases in 2024 to 663 in 2025.
Nabakooba said the surge “necessitates immediate and coordinated intervention” to prevent further escalation.
She warned that the increase in disputes is already affecting economic activity.
@The increasing trend of land-related crimes has a negative impact on investment and wealth creation,” she said.
The minister attributed the rise to several factors, including outdated and fragmented land laws, forged land documents, unscrupulous agents, absentee landlords, and illegal evictions. Boundary disputes and conflicts between tenants and landlords have also worsened the situation.
To tackle the problem, government has strengthened oversight on evictions and land transactions through new administrative directives.
Nabakooba said no eviction will be allowed without clearance from District Security Committees working with the Lands Ministry.
“The Administrative Circular requires inspection of land transactions to verify and ascertain any interests on the land before any subdivision and transfer is concluded,” she said.
The directives also prohibit evictions by administrators or heirs of estates and discourage the use of private security guards on disputed land, with government calling for tighter supervision of private security companies.
On court-sanctioned evictions, Nabakooba emphasized strict compliance with legal procedures, including valid court orders, advance notice of up to 120 days, and respect for human rights during enforcement.
“The Ministry emphasizes the need to strictly observe these requirements before any eviction or demolition is undertaken,” she said.
Government is also rolling out reforms aimed at addressing systemic weaknesses in land management.
These include introducing blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies to curb fraud, implementing mass land titling to resolve ownership disputes, and allowing tenants to deposit nominal ground rent with the Uganda Revenue Authority where landlords are absent or refuse payment.
Public sensitization campaigns and capacity building for land management institutions are also underway to improve service delivery and awareness of land rights.
Nabakooba reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting citizens and restoring order in the sector.
“Government remains committed to protecting citizens’ land rights and ensuring social justice and harmony,” she said.
She urged Resident District Commissioners and all stakeholders to enforce the law and follow proper procedures to reduce land-related conflicts and crimes across the country.
