Thousands of landowners and bibanja holders are set to benefit from a closer working relationship between the Government and the Buganda Kingdom, as Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba proposes joint efforts to clean up land records, identify absentee landlords and curb the fraud fueling endless land conflicts.
Speaking during the Buganda Lukiiko members’ retreat at Muteesa I Royal University on Wednesday, Nabakooba said stronger coordination between the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Buganda Kingdom would streamline land registration and administration while helping resolve long-standing ownership disputes.
“Our partnership will focus on a shared operational agenda designed to resolve long-standing issues and accelerate regional development,” she said.
The retreat, attended by the Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, was held under the theme, “Enhancing the Standards and Conduct of Members of the Buganda Lukiiko.”
Among the key proposals is the systematic registration of all bibanja holders on Buganda land. Nabakooba said many occupants remain undocumented, making it difficult for landlords, including the Kingdom, to effectively manage their land while increasing the risk of ownership disputes.
She pointed to the ministry’s success under the Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification (SLAAC) programme in the Greater Mubende sub-region, where hundreds of bibanja holders were registered and later issued with Certificates of Occupancy.
According to the minister, extending a similar exercise across Buganda would create an accurate register of tenants, reduce land conflicts and improve land management.
Nabakooba also urged the Kingdom to partner with the Government in identifying and documenting absentee landlords, warning that fraudsters often exploit unclaimed land by forging ownership documents.
“The ministry and the Buganda Kingdom can jointly investigate, map and document absentee landlords to foster dialogue, formalise tenancy arrangements and resolve historical land disputes,” she said.
She further revealed that the Government is considering integrating the Kingdom’s Kyapa mu Ngalo land documentation initiative with the Ministry’s mass land titling programme to simplify the issuance of land titles.
The minister also appealed to Lukiiko members to educate communities on the dangers of excessive land fragmentation, saying the practice has reduced agricultural productivity and contributed to the growth of unplanned settlements.
She encouraged families to retain land under a single trustee where possible and put it to productive use through agriculture and other income-generating activities.
Addressing the retreat, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga said the annual gathering enables the Kingdom to assess its progress, review ongoing programmes and identify areas that require improvement.
He traced the evolution of the Buganda Lukiiko from its restoration in 1992, saying its current structure is intended to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across the Kingdom.
Mayiga urged Lukiiko members to deepen their understanding of the Kingdom’s development programmes so they can effectively mobilise communities. He highlighted flagship initiatives including Ettoffaali, Mmwanyi Terimba, Situla Omutindo and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Kingdom employees.
Using the Ente ya Kabaka initiative as an example, he challenged members to champion innovative ideas that can boost agriculture, trade and enterprise within Buganda.
“The world develops through ideas. Societies stagnate when they stop generating innovative solutions,” the Katikiro noted.
Katikiro also applauded Lukiiko members for supporting the Mmwanyi Terimba coffee initiative, saying it has enabled many households to increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.
