Uganda lands minister orders probe into 1,500-acre customary land conversion in Nakapiripirit
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Lands minister Judith Nabakooba wants an investigation into the alleged illegal conversion of nearly 1,500 acres of customary land into freehold, and a title obtained without the community's consent.
Uganda's Lands minister Judith Nabakooba has ordered an investigation into people suspected of illegally converting nearly 1,500 acres of customary land in Nakapiripirit District into freehold land and obtaining a title without the consent of the local community.
The disputed land is located in Kawach Sub-county and is claimed by residents who say it was given to them by government after part of the former Pian Upe Game Reserve was degazetted to resettle communities that had been displaced. Local leaders say more than 12,000 households are affected. Residents are opposed to Nakapiripirit District Council speaker Richard Lochoto, who is alleged to have claimed ownership of part of the land and subsequently obtained a freehold title.
The minister, who visited the area to hear grievances on September 7, handed the matter to the district security committee headed by Resident District Commissioner Bessie Modest, directing the team to collect all relevant information and submit a report within two weeks. She said those found to have participated in the alleged conversion of customary land into freehold should be arrested, and ordered investigations into claims that signatures of local leaders were forged during the transaction. If investigations establish that the title was obtained fraudulently, she said, the title will be cancelled and the land returned to the community.
Nabakooba also directed Ministry of Lands officials to assist residents in forming a Communal Land Association so they can collectively register and manage the land. Documents seen by Monitor show a freehold offer dated October 25, 2021 that the district land board approved, and an approved land file for registration of a freehold title forwarded to the commissioner for land registration on November 4, 2021. The Nakapiripirit District Land Board secretary, Jobs Ilukol, said the board followed the required procedures and relied on records and minutes submitted by the Area Land Committee, adding that the board's role ends after approving or rejecting an application.