By Nasser Kayanja
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has commissioned a new Land Resource Centre in Matugga, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, aimed at strengthening land management and providing alternative mechanisms for resolving land disputes.
The centre, established under the Land Management Centre Uganda initiative, is supported by the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Salim Saleh.
Speaking at the launch, Nabakooba said the resource centre would complement government efforts to improve land governance by helping communities resolve disputes before they escalate into lengthy court battles.
She urged government officials involved in land administration to work closely with the centre and adhere to established procedures during field operations to promote transparency and public confidence.
“The centre will provide an important platform for resolving land conflicts through dialogue and proper documentation, reducing the need for prolonged litigation,” Nabakooba said.
She added that collaboration between government agencies and the resource centre would strengthen the protection of land rights and improve service delivery in the land sector.
During the event, residents of Matugga and vendors operating in Matugga Market raised concerns over alleged attempts by individuals to grab land occupied by the market.
The affected residents appealed to the government to intervene and protect the public land, saying they feared losing their source of livelihood.
In response, the Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, directed the Commissioner for Land Registration, Baker Mugaino, to place a caveat on the disputed land to prevent any further transactions while investigations are carried out.
The directive is intended to safeguard the land hosting Matugga Market as the government examines the ownership claims and allegations of land grabbing.