Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba, has received a top international honour for her tireless efforts in protecting the land rights of Ugandans. The award was presented at the Pan-African American Leadership Awards (PAALA) 2025, organized by the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) in Houston, Texas, on October 13.
The prestigious event celebrated outstanding African leaders who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and industries. Minister Nabakooba was recognized for her strong leadership, integrity, and commitment to justice, earning her the title of a “Voice for the Voiceless” in Uganda’s land sector.
According to the organisers, Uganda’s land sector has long struggled with problems such as inequality, corruption, and land grabbing. But in the middle of these challenges, they said, leaders like Nabakooba have stood out by defending the vulnerable and promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability.
“Tonight, we honour one such leader,” the statement read. “A woman whose leadership has transformed how government interacts with ordinary citizens on land matters. Honourable Judith Nabakooba has become a strong and consistent voice for those who had been silenced for too long.”
As Minister of Lands, Nabakooba has introduced several transformative reforms to address long-standing injustices and ensure fair land governance. One of her major achievements is the online land management system, which removes middlemen from land transactions and empowers landowners and buyers to manage their own dealings safely. This innovation has enabled tens of thousands of households to receive official land titles, securing their ownership and protecting them from fraud.
The award statement also praised her courage and empathy in addressing systemic problems like corruption, illegal evictions, and exploitation of the poor. Her decisive interventions in conflict-prone areas and her insistence on transparency have given hope to many citizens who once felt ignored by the system.
Through her leadership, the Ministry has strengthened community sensitization, improved service delivery, and made government institutions more accountable to the people. Nabakooba has worked closely with local leaders, cultural institutions, women’s groups, and youth to build trust and find long-term solutions to Uganda’s land challenges.
The organisers also commended her for using her public platform to advocate for justice, fairness, and responsible land use. Beyond her ministerial duties, Nabakooba previously served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District, where she chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs. She also represents Uganda regionally as the Chairperson of the Housing and Urbanisation Sub-Committee under the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development, and Decentralization.
In her acceptance speech, Nabakooba expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. “I am indeed honoured to receive this award. It is a reminder of the importance of serving humanity, and it gives me even more energy to continue supporting the vulnerable,” she said.
She also pledged to work more closely with the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO), saying, “This recognition is not just for me, but for all Africans—especially women and girls. When I return home, I will mobilize other women leaders to join and support this powerful organization.”
The PAALA 2025 ceremony featured inspiring speeches, networking sessions, and powerful moments celebrating resilience and leadership across Africa and the diaspora. Nabakooba’s recognition stood out as a proud moment for Uganda, highlighting her unwavering dedication to protecting citizens’ land rights and ensuring justice for all.
