The International Land Conference, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo on November 21st 2024, gathered experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative land reforms that address social equity, economic growth, and climate change under the theme “Land Reforms for Inclusive Social Economic Transformation, and Climate Change Mitigation.” The conference emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to promote sustainable development, better land use, and equitable social transformation.
During the opening remarks, Mr. Richard Juuko, speaking on behalf of Mrs. Dorcas Okalany,emphasized the criticalrole of the land sector in driving economic growth and wealth creation. He noted the importance of land registration and productive utilization, pointing out that nearly 70% of Uganda’s land remains unregistered. This poses challenges to economic competitiveness and ecological sustainability. Mr. Juuko further explained the objectives of the conference, which included providing feedback on government programs supported by the World Bank’s Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP), sharing innovations, and scaling up land sector activities, particularly in customary land tenure. He stressed the importance of aligning land policy with Uganda’s constitution to address key concerns, such as alternative dispute resolution, valuation for infrastructure, and environmental preservation.
In his keynote speech, Hon. Sam Mayanja, the Minister of State for Lands, highlighted the urgent need to register the remaining 70% of Uganda’s land, mostly customary land, which remains insecure and prone to disputes. He pointed out the limitations this poses for agricultural commercialization and investment. The minister shared insights into the government’s initiatives, including the Parish to Market initiative, designed to boost socio-economic transformation through land utilization. He also emphasized the need for Uganda to shift from subsistence land practices to a market-driven system, particularly given the country’s projected population growth to 50 million by 2035 and 100 million by 2050. His recommendations included lowering surveying costs, issuing digital land titles, and formalizing communal land ownership.
Hon. Raphael Magyezi, the Minister for Local Government, also addressed the conference, focusing on environmental degradation and the need for climate-sensitive land reforms. He underscored ongoing efforts by local governments to develop physical planning systems that integrate climate change measures. Magyezi highlighted the importance of modernizing land administration to promote economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. He praised initiatives like the National Land Information System (NLIS) and Rapid Physical Planning Interventions (RAPPA) for supporting sustainable land practices and mapping critical ecosystems.
Andrew Nyumba, Secretary of the Uganda Land Commission (ULC), presented on the challenges of managing government land, citing a lack of legal frameworks, budgetary constraints, and operational inefficiencies. He emphasized the need for reforms and pointed to achievements like improved staffing and financial management. Nyumba outlined future plans, including digitizing records, operationalizing the Land Fund, and lobbying for the enactment of the ULC Bill 2017. He reiterated the commission’s commitment to working with partners to overcome these challenges.
In summary, the conference underscored the importance of innovative land reforms that not only promote economic growth and social equity but also address climate change challenges. Participants were urged to actively participate in shaping policies that align with Uganda’s long-term national development objectives.