Ugandans seeking special certificates of title will have to wait for three months as the government investigates growing reports of fraud, double titling and manipulation of land records.

Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba announced the immediate suspension on August 27, saying the move was necessary to protect landowners and restore confidence in the land registration system.

The ministry, she said, has received complaints involving allegedly fraudulent statutory declarations, double titling, manipulation of succession processes and the transfer of land using special certificates even when original duplicate titles were still in existence.

“This is not about abolishing Special Certificates of Title. The concern is the abuse or manipulation of the process through which they are obtained or issued,” Nabakooba said.

Under the Registration of Titles Act, a special certificate can be issued when an original duplicate title is lost, destroyed or rendered unusable, following procedures that include a 30-day public notice.

Nabakooba said the three-month suspension will give the ministry time to review those safeguards, investigate reported abuses and tighten verification and due-diligence procedures.

The review will involve investigative agencies, the Uganda Law Society, Uganda Bankers Association, Private Sector Foundation, Survey Registration Board and other professional bodies.

Officials found to have facilitated misconduct will face disciplinary action, while individuals who knowingly collude with officials or provide false information will be investigated.

Nabakooba said the goal is simple: “One parcel of land must have one legitimate title.” She said no Ugandan should lose land because someone manipulated the process for obtaining a special certificate.

The ministry will also notify courts of the temporary suspension and establish a technical team to complete the review within the three-month period.