Church of Uganda has officially launched a major land titling exercise in the Ankole Subregion in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, in a move aimed at securing and protecting all church-owned land from encroachment, disputes, and illegal occupation.
The launch took place at Ruharo Cathedral in Mbarara City and brought together bishops from across Ankole, South Ankole, West Ankole, North West Ankole, and North Ankole dioceses. Church leaders, commissioners, clergy, and technical officers from the Ministry of Lands attended the event, alongside government representatives.
The exercise is being implemented under a Presidential Directive communicated through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, led by Minister Hon. Judith Nabakooba. The program is being coordinated by a technical team headed by Mr. Dennis Obbo, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Dorcas Okalany.
Mr. Obbo explained that the mass titling program is designed to ensure that all Church of Uganda land across the country is properly surveyed, registered, and titled. He noted that much of the church land dating back to 1888 has remained unregistered and not formally recorded in government systems, leaving it vulnerable to land grabbing, disputes, and competing generational claims.
He pointed out that in several areas such as Kiryamakyumu in Rukungiri, Nebbi, and Agago, church land has been lost or contested due to lack of formal documentation. He stressed that under Ugandan law, a land title is the strongest legal proof of ownership, making registration a critical step in protecting church property.
According to the Ministry of Lands, the program began in May 2026 in the Kigezi Subregion, where 1,636 parcels of land were successfully surveyed. The parcels ranged from large tracts of 98 acres to smaller pieces measuring as little as 0.32 acres. The exercise has now shifted to the Ankole Subregion, where 1,253 parcels are scheduled for survey within a strict 10-day timeframe.
In Ankole, the exercise will cover districts including Mbarara, Isingiro, Rwampara, Kiruhura, Kazo, Ibanda, Ntungamo, Sheema, Rubirizi, Buhweju, Bushenyi, and Mitooma. Church leaders were urged to guide survey teams to exact land locations through diocesan and archdeaconry structures to ensure smooth implementation.
Mr. Obbo emphasized that the exercise will not be extended beyond the allocated 10 days, urging all dioceses to ensure that all church land parcels are presented in time. He also noted that private land surveying would normally cost between 15 and 18 million shillings per parcel, but this government-supported program is highly subsidized to benefit the Church.
He further highlighted that land registration is not only a legal requirement but also a key step in protecting church assets and supporting development initiatives. He linked the exercise to government programs such as the Parish to Market (P2M) initiative, which promotes productive use of land for economic transformation.
Quoting Jeremiah 32:1–15, Mr. Obbo said land registration reflects biblical principles of ownership, order, and stewardship, and encouraged church leaders to embrace the exercise as both a legal and moral responsibility.
He concluded by urging leaders to shift focus from discussions to action, stressing that securing land titles is essential for protecting church property and enabling future development.
The bishops of Ankole, led by Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa, welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Dorcas Okalany, and Minister Hon. Judith Nabakooba for supporting the Church of Uganda in safeguarding its land and strengthening development efforts.
They pledged full cooperation with the Ministry of Lands survey teams to ensure the successful completion of the exercise across the Ankole Subregion.
