The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying Church land, declaring that the Church will take decisive action against land grabbers.
Speaking at the official opening of a one-day training on the Land Information Management System (LIMS) held Wednesday at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, Archbishop Kaziimba said the Church is now well-equipped to defend its property.
“We now know what we own. We have the tools to track and protect every piece of land entrusted to us. Anyone who tries to grab Church land will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
The Archbishop emphasized the critical roles played by Diocesan Secretaries and Estates Officers in safeguarding Church assets, urging them to advise their respective Bishops and diocesan teams on responsible land use and management.
The training was organized by Church Commissioners Holding Company Ltd and brought together Diocesan Secretaries and Estates Officers from all 39 Church of Uganda Dioceses. It aimed to equip leaders with skills to operate the new digital platform, which is designed to enhance land governance, promote accountability, and ensure long-term protection of Church property.
Archbishop Kaziimba commended Church Commissioners Holding Company Ltd for their innovation and reiterated the Church’s commitment to responsible land stewardship. He also thanked the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, led by Hon. Judith Nabakooba, for providing technical support during the recent mass land registration exercise.
Rev. Dr. Jasper Tumuhimbise, CEO of Church Commissioners Holding Company Ltd, described the LIMS platform as user-friendly and purpose-built to document, monitor, and safeguard Church land. He noted that the system will be officially launched after similar training is conducted for the Church’s Registered Trustees—the Bishops.
In a call for compliance, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, urged all Dioceses to ensure that Church land and assets are registered under the Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda.
“Dioceses are not legal entities. We have lost valuable property because some leaders ignored policy. To protect Church assets, everything must be registered under the proper legal framework,” Rev. Canon Ongeng said.
He further encouraged Church officers to uphold integrity and accountability, stressing that the future of the Church’s infrastructure depends on the careful stewardship of its land and properties.
