The Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba has urged couples to take land registration seriously in order to protect their families from painful conflicts and property disputes in the future. Speaking during a couples retreat held in Busimbi Division in Mityana District on May 1, the minister warned that many families are being destroyed by disagreements over land and inheritance, especially after the death of one parent.
Nabakooba encouraged married couples to ensure that their land and properties are properly documented while they are still alive. According to her, clear ownership records can help prevent misunderstandings that often arise among children and relatives after the death of parents. She revealed that her ministry continues to handle many painful cases involving family members fighting over property.
She shared the story of a woman who was being chased off land by her own child after the death of the husband. The child reportedly claimed that the land belonged only to the late father. Nabakooba said such situations are becoming common and called on parents to act early before conflicts begin.
The minister also stressed the importance of raising children with strong spiritual values. She explained that children who fear God are less likely to disrespect their parents or fight over family property. According to her, many families today are facing serious disagreements where children threaten each other or even attempt to force aging parents off their land.
“We believe that when Jesus is the anchor of a family, such things will not happen,” Nabakooba told the gathering. She asked parents to continue praying for their children, guiding them, and counseling them so they do not lose direction in life.
The retreat was organized by the Mother’s Union Central Region under Mityana Diocese and carried the theme, “When Christ anchors your marriage, storms don’t win.” The event attracted members from several dioceses including Mityana, Namirembe, Luwero, Mukono, West Buganda, Central Buganda, and Kampala.
Nabakooba also spoke about another troubling family dispute involving an elderly couple. She said the husband, despite having spent many years with his wife and building property together, now wants to send her away in old age. The minister noted that the woman was deeply worried because she is too old to start life again despite contributing to the family’s wealth.
The main preacher at the event was the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Kafanchan in Nigeria, Rt Rev Marcus Dogo, who emphasized the importance of prayer and peace in marriage. He warned couples that families without prayer can easily break apart during difficult times.
Bishop Dogo also cautioned men against adultery and encouraged couples to remain faithful to one another. He said many men are easily tempted because they focus too much on physical appearance instead of protecting their marriages. He further advised couples to value love above all else, especially in situations where families face challenges such as infertility.
According to the bishop, some marriages collapse because couples focus too much on having children and forget the true purpose of marriage. He reminded the congregation that when God created a woman, He created a helper for the man, not simply someone to bear children.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Mityana Diocese, Most Rev James Bukomeko, encouraged parents to invest in the education and upbringing of their children. He said children who are raised well can become responsible and successful people who later support both their families and communities.
Bishop Bukomeko shared his personal experience, revealing that some children he once taught in Sunday school grew up into successful adults living abroad. He said they later supported him financially and even sponsored his trips overseas as a way of appreciating the guidance he gave them while they were young.
He explained that one of the major missions of the diocese is to raise God-fearing children who will grow into responsible citizens. According to him, strong families built on faith, love, and proper guidance are important for creating a peaceful society.
