President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Ministry of Lands to begin issuing leases to squatters who are willing to formalize their stay on public land across Uganda. This announcement was made by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba during a National Resistance Movement (NRM) party gathering in Ssekanyonyi and Maanyi Sub-counties, Mityana District, on September 26.
Minister Nabakooba explained that the new move aims to reduce conflicts and evictions that have long troubled communities. She encouraged all squatters interested in securing their land rights to apply for leases. “We are going to start opening boundaries and give out those leases. This will help people use their land without fear of being forced off,” she said.
She revealed that government recently purchased modern machines for opening land boundaries, and Mityana District is among the first to benefit. According to her, lack of such machines in the past made it difficult to mark land clearly, which often fueled disputes.
The minister also noted that many land conflicts are not just between landlords and tenants, but also within families. She warned heirs of estates against mistreating or excluding other relatives after the death of landowners, stressing that inheritance does not mean grabbing land from family members or selling it off without their consent.
Nabakooba further cautioned landlords against carrying out illegal evictions. She reminded them that no eviction should be conducted without a court order or instructions from the area Resident District Commissioner (RDC). She reassured tenants that landlords with large estates and sitting tenants will be compensated through the government’s land fund, and urged locals to report such landlords for official processing.
The NRM event in Mityana also focused on strengthening party unity ahead of the 2026 general elections. Minister Nabakooba urged residents to support NRM candidates, saying they are the only ones who can effectively lobby government for better services. She dismissed opposition leaders, arguing that they cannot secure development projects for their constituencies.
Other party leaders echoed the call for unity. Ms. Faith Tumwebaze, a strong NRM cadre and former member of the District Executive Committee, warned leaders against backing independent candidates who lost in party primaries. She said those who defy the party stand risk losing their positions.
Mr. Noah Ssenkungu, the NRM chairperson for Ssekanyonyi, also rallied members to work together to regain political ground after opposition candidates won big in the 2021 elections. “We need a straight chain of leadership from the President down to the village if we are to transform our lives,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Kamya Makumbi, the NRM flag bearer for Mityana South, who is seeking to reclaim the seat from current MP Richard Lumu of the Democratic Party. Makumbi promised to revive development projects in the area, citing his previous record of extending water services to local villages.
Meanwhile, Mr. Joseph Luzige, NRM’s candidate for LC5 chairperson, urged residents to reflect on the good work he delivered during his earlier leadership. He said people made a mistake in the last elections and should vote wisely in 2026 if they want better service delivery.
With President Museveni’s directive on land leases and renewed calls for unity, the NRM leadership in Mityana is hoping to reduce land conflicts while also regaining political dominance in the district ahead of the next general elections.
