The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development has provided an update on the progress of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto commitments, showcasing advancements in land ownership, urban planning, and affordable housing initiatives.The report emphasizes achievements in addressing historical land disputes, enhancing access to housing, and improving urban infrastructure as part of the government’s broader development goals.
Land Reforms and Ownership Progress
The government has made strides in resolving long-standing land disputes through the Land Fund. The Uganda Land Commission has acquired 126,995 hectares of land from absentee landlords in regions such as Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro, and Ankole, benefiting lawful occupants. So far, 11,819 land titles have been processed, with an additional 6,000 in progress for residents in Kagadi and Kakumiro.Efforts to formalize land ownership have also seen the issuance of 90,000 Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) and the creation of 903 Communal Land Associations to manage communal land rights. Additionally, 964 fraudulent land titles have been canceled as part of an initiative to clean up the national land registry.To modernize land administration, the Uganda National Land Information System (UgNLIS) public portal has been launched, enabling both locals and Ugandans in the diaspora to access land information and conduct instant searches.
Advancements in Housing and Urban Development
The Ministry has prioritized improving access to affordable and decent housing. Housing savings groups have been established in urban areas, and prototype house plans have been distributed to districts to encourage standardized home construction.Efforts to reduce construction costs are underway through the development of an integrated housing innovation center. The National Housing and Construction Corporation has been recapitalized with UGX 30 billion, although an additional UGX 88 billion is still required to meet targets.The Housing Finance Bank has expanded its mortgage offerings, providing over 10,000 affordable mortgages annually to low-income earners, including market vendors, boda boda riders, and taxi drivers.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
Significant progress has been made in urban planning, particularly in refugee-hosting districts. In 2024, 408 kilometers of community access roads were upgraded, along with the construction of six bridges and 213 solar streetlights. Drainage systems were also developed to improve mobility and safety across eight districts.Physical development plans have been finalized for 13 municipalities and 568 parishes, helping guide structured urban growth. The government is also enforcing new land use policies to address issues like land fragmentation and urban sprawl.
Persistent Challenges and Future Goals
Despite these accomplishments, challenges persist, including land evictions, encroachment on government land, slum development, and housing shortages. The Ministry has called for increased funding and stricter enforcement of physical planning laws to tackle these issues.Looking ahead, the government plans to scale up titling of government land, particularly for schools and health centers, while improving collaboration with the Judiciary and Police to prevent illegal land evictions.The Ministry remains committed to resolving land disputes, expanding affordable housing, and promoting sustainable urban development to drive national progress. These efforts will require sustained investment and cross-sector collaboration to address the remaining gaps.
