By Spy Uganda
In a powerful celebration of women’s rights and empowerment, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, commemorated International Women’s Day 2025 with a landmark event centered on women’s land rights at Ruguse Primary School in Bugambe Sub-county, Kikuube District.
Held under the national theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” the event was graced by high-profile government officials, including representatives of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and officiated by Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
In her keynote address, Minister Nabakooba emphasized the NRM government’s commitment to gender equality, economic empowerment, and secure land tenure for women. She proudly announced the handover of 1,100 freehold land titles to beneficiaries across the Bunyoro sub-region—30.5% of which went to women.
“Today is a celebration not only of the strength and resilience of Uganda’s women but of our government’s commitment to ensuring equal land rights. These land titles represent dignity, security, and a future full of promise,” she declared.
The land titles were issued under the government’s Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification (SLAAC) program, which Minister Nabakooba described as a critical tool in securing land tenure for both men and women. In Kikuube District alone, over 26,000 land parcels were adjudicated, demarcated, and are currently being processed for certification.
“This program eliminates disputes and ensures government-supported recognition of land ownership. I urge beneficiaries not to sell their land, but to use their titles productively—for agriculture, investment, and as collateral to access credit,” she advised.
Strengthening Land Governance & Service Delivery
The Minister also underscored broader land reforms under her docket, highlighting:
- Decentralization of land services through Ministry Zonal Offices (MZOs), with Masindi MZO serving Kikuube District.
- Digitization of the national land registry via the Uganda National Land Information System (UGNLIS), enabling landowners to verify ownership and monitor transactions online.
She urged citizens to embrace these reforms to improve transparency, reduce corruption, and protect their land rights.
Minister Nabakooba confirmed her approval of 101 land title applications from the Church of Uganda in Kikuube, calling on other religious institutions to follow suit to safeguard their land interests.
She also encouraged the local leaders and communities to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM)—the government’s flagship initiative to shift Ugandans from subsistence to market-oriented production.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections, the Minister used the occasion to rally support for the ruling NRM Government, crediting President Yoweri Museveni for his visionary leadership and unwavering focus on women’s empowerment through land access.
“Let us not forget what NRM has delivered. Come 2026, I urge you to vote for continuity, stability, and transformation,” she told the cheering crowd.
The celebration ended with chants of support for the NRM, local leaders including Hon. Natumanya Flora, and a renewed commitment to advancing women’s rights, land justice, and inclusive development.
