RDCs must report all land grabbers - Minister of lands

According to a recent directive by President Yoweri Museveni, land evictions across the country must stop and the RDCs. as well as the district security committees, must make sure this directive is implemented, says Nabakooba.

“The District Security Committee must ensure no land eviction takes place, especially on unregistered or land with tenants on it,” she said.

According to the Land Act (1998) recognizes the four historic forms of land tenure in Uganda (customary, leasehold, freehold, and mailo); grants all lawful and bona fide occupiers (legally defined) property rights; decentralises land administration; and establishes land tribunals.

Nabakooba added that RDCs must also report any non-compliance with government policies, laws, and presidential directives on land evictions.

“Evictions from critical ecological systems, forest reserves, and wetlands shall be handled as per cabinet directives. The law provides for six months and so measures should be put in place not to cause distress…” she said.

“I call upon RDCs to be vigilant and give me evidence-based information on all eviction-related matters,” Nabakooba said.

She added that, "everyone who feels violated or threatened to reach out to local leaders for protection.”

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently halted all land evictions carried out without the express consent of the respective District Security Committees (DSC).

Judith Nabakooba's tweet thanking the president Pulse Live Uganda

In a letter dated February 28, 2022, and addressed to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Museveni said he was using his powers under Article 98(1) and 99(1) of the Constitution, which detail his office’s role in ensuring good governance and protecting the Uganda constitution.

Museveni wrote in part, “No eviction should be allowed to take place in a district without the consent and direct observation of the District Security Committee (DSC), chaired by the Resident District Commissioners/Resident City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs) and direct consultation with the Minister of Lands."

If illegal evictions continue and happen outside the directive laid down by him, then the District Security Committee will all be held responsible and action will be taken against them.

The president, in the same letter, requested the chief justice to rein in judges and magistrates who illegally order the eviction of people in cahoots with land grabbers. Adding that the minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is to inform the Attorney General in the event of such abuses by judicial officers so that legal action can be taken against them.

Nabakooba welcomed the presidential directive and said that it will go a long way in thwarting land grabbers.

“I thank HE @KagutaMuseveni for this important directive stopping all illegal evictions. I call upon members of the District Security Committee to rise to the occasion and restore peace and trust among our people. We all have a right to a place we call home,” Nabakooba stated in a tweet.

Article 237(1) of the Uganda Constitution states that land belongs to the citizens of Uganda and Article 26(1) protects the right to own property either individually or in association with others for instance groups of people who hold land communally.