On December 9th, 2025, Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, delivered a powerful message at the launch of the Ministry’s Fourth Strategic Plan (FY 2025/26 – 2029/30). This landmark event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Uganda’s journey toward sustainable land use, secure land tenure, and vibrant urban development. Alongside the strategic plan, the Ministry also introduced its Service Delivery Standards, a crucial step in enhancing efficiency and accountability in public service.
In her speech, Minister Nabakooba extended heartfelt gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering leadership and guidance in shaping the Ministry’s reforms. She emphasized that these reforms are not only instrumental in the Ministry’s growth but also play a vital role in the national agenda for socio-economic transformation. The Ministry’s vision of sustainable land use, secure housing, and organized urban development is now more attainable than ever before, thanks to the comprehensive strategic roadmap unveiled today.
The core of the Ministry’s new plan revolves around five key objectives: strengthening land administration systems, enhancing land use planning in both urban and rural areas, fostering livable urban environments, expanding affordable housing delivery, and reinforcing policy and legal frameworks. These objectives are designed to ensure that the Ministry is better equipped to manage Uganda’s land resources and urban spaces, contributing to the tenfold growth agenda outlined in the country’s National Development Plan (NDP IV).
A Strategic Approach to Transforming Land and Housing Sectors
The launch of this strategic plan is more than just a formal event; it represents a strategic pivot in the Ministry’s approach to land management and urban development. As Hon. Nabakooba highlighted, the plan is aimed at accelerating socio-economic transformation through the responsible and sustainable use of land. A particular focus will be placed on improving land tenure security, which will in turn contribute to the overall socio-economic development of Uganda.
Uganda is a nation with a rich diversity of landscapes and a growing urban population. As such, the strategic plan stresses the importance of integrated land use planning, which balances the need for urban expansion with environmental preservation and rural development. This dual approach will ensure that both urban centers and rural communities thrive in harmony, creating a more inclusive and resilient national development model.
Minister Nabakooba also highlighted the role of innovative technologies in improving land management, citing the President’s directive to embrace blockchain technology in land registration. This forward-thinking initiative will provide a tamper-proof system for land titles, reducing corruption and improving transparency. The introduction of these technological solutions marks a significant step forward in Uganda’s bid to modernize its land and housing sectors.
Service Delivery Standards: A Commitment to Efficiency and Accountability
In conjunction with the strategic plan, the Ministry also launched its Service Delivery Standards for the financial years 2025/26 – 2029/30. These standards are designed to improve the quality of service delivery within the Ministry, outlining specific targets related to time, cost, coverage, and the quality of services offered to the public. By establishing clear benchmarks for performance, the Ministry is committing to providing faster, more efficient services to Ugandans, ensuring that the land and housing needs of the population are met in a timely and professional manner.
These standards are particularly important for enhancing accountability within the public service. They will help ensure that the Ministry remains responsive to the needs of Ugandans and that citizens can expect a high level of service when interacting with the Ministry’s various departments. From land registration to urban planning and housing development, these standards will serve as a guiding framework for the Ministry’s day-to-day operations.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Uganda’s Land, Housing, and Urban Development Sectors
As the Minister concluded her speech, she expressed her gratitude to all the stakeholders who supported the development of the strategic plan and service standards, including the Permanent Secretary and her team. Hon. Nabakooba reiterated that the launch of the strategic plan is just the beginning, and that the real work now lies in its successful implementation. She stressed the importance of collaboration across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure that the ambitious goals set out in the plan are achieved.
The launch of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development’s new strategic plan and service delivery standards signals a major shift in Uganda’s land and urban management strategies. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the plan promises to lay a solid foundation for Uganda’s future growth and development.
As Uganda moves forward, the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen land tenure, improve urban planning, and deliver affordable housing will contribute to the overall socio-economic transformation of the country. This launch marks a pivotal moment in the country’s development journey—one that will have far-reaching implications for generations to come. The Ministry is committed to its mission of improving the lives of Ugandans through better land management and urban development, ensuring that the nation’s growth is sustainable and equitable for all.
