Pader launches customary land registration initiative to combat land grabbing

16 April 2025, 08:31

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

A transformative land registration initiative aimed at strengthening land ownership and preventing land grabbing is set to be rolled out in Lunyiri sub county, Pader district.

The project, supported by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) under its Responsible Land Policy in Uganda (RELAPU) programme, is expected to enhance land tenure security for local communities, particularly cooperative societies and vulnerable groups.

The initiative was the subject of a stakeholders’ meeting held on 7 April, where local leaders, cultural and religious representatives, and sub county officials convened to discuss the benefits of securing land ownership. The official launch is scheduled for 30 April 2025.

The Pader District Land Officer, Mr Julius Nyeko, urged residents of Lunyiri to take advantage of the opportunity to register their land, describing the process as a vital step towards formal ownership and long-term protection against future disputes.

“This is not a programme serving GIZ’s interests. They are here to support the district and its people. It is the responsibility of every landowner to register their land,” Mr Nyeko emphasised.

He further highlighted the importance of understanding legal aspects of land ownership and acquisition in the public interest. Formal registration, he said, not only secures individual rights but also provides clarity in cases where land is needed for public development.

“According to Article 237(4) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, the Government or a local government has the authority to acquire land in the public interest, provided the acquisition complies with Article 26 and the conditions prescribed by Parliament,” he explained.

Mr Nyeko added that once the registration process is complete, fiscal development planning at sub county level will become more streamlined, and residents will be issued Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs).

He also noted that all registration data will be recorded in the national Land Information System (LIS), and called upon local leaders to actively sensitise their communities about the significance of land registration.

Mr Charles Odongtoo, the LCIII Chairperson of Lunyiri sub county, welcomed the programme, describing it as a long-awaited solution to ongoing land disputes and conflicts.

“This initiative will help our people secure their land, which is crucial for both social and economic development,” Odongtoo said.

He also commended the district leadership for prioritising Lunyiri sub county in the programme rollout, calling it a significant step towards community empowerment.

The programme has already sparked hope among residents, including Mego Rose Lacen, the LCI of Bolo Wigweng and a widow, who shared her relief at the opportunity to register her late husband’s land.

“This project is a blessing. It will allow me to secure ownership of my late husband’s land and finally obtain official rights to the property,” she expressed.

Palwo Clan Chief, Rwot John Peko Lugai, voiced his support for the project but urged for thorough sensitisation to ensure the community fully understands the process and its implications. He also expressed concerns about converting customary land into freehold ownership, emphasising the importance of preserving communal landholding practices under customary law.

Nevertheless, he recognised the potential economic benefits of land registration, particularly in enabling landowners to access credit for development.

Ahead of the launch on 30 April, additional training and review sessions have been scheduled for 16 and 23 April. These sessions are aimed at preparing local leaders and the community for the implementation phase.

Nyeko also expressed hope that the project would eventually be expanded to other sub counties, thereby promoting broader access to secure land ownership across the district.