The government has warned people in Rwenzori region who acquire land through fraudulent means that their titles will be cancelled as it moves to clean up the land registration system and protect rightful landowners.
State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Harriet Ntabazi said the ministry had received numerous complaints from residents who had allegedly lost their land to grabbers who subsequently obtained titles.
She said the ministry would investigate the disputed titles and cancel those found to have been obtained illegally.
Ntabazi was speaking on Friday during the closure of the Land Awareness Week in the Rwenzori region at Rwenzori Square in Kasese Town.
She said some residents had been left without land for homes and development after alleged land grabbers processed titles for property they did not rightfully own.
“We are going to cancel fake titles and ensure that the rightful owners get justice,” Ntabazi said.
She said cleaning up the land registration system would help restore public confidence and reduce the increasing disputes over land ownership.
The minister also warned land officers against aiding land grabbers by facilitating the processing of titles for people who have no legitimate claim to the land.
She directed civil servants who have allegedly bought or settled on government land to vacate, warning that those who fail to comply could face legal action.
Minister Ntabazi urged land officials to act professionally and ensure that land transactions are conducted in accordance with the law.
CUE IN MINISTER NTABAZI…ON LAND GRABBERS….ENG//
Kasese District chief administrative officer Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi welcomed the ministry’s initiative, saying it could help resolve long-standing land disputes in the district.
Bukombi urged residents involved in land disputes to provide accurate information and cooperate with authorities to enable them reach lasting solutions.
Kasese Woman MP Sarah Ithungu Masereka Baleke asked the ministry to speed up the opening and clarification of boundaries between residents’ land and national parks.
She also urged residents to obtain land titles as a safeguard against land grabbing and disputes.
CUE IN MP SARAH…ON LEGAL SYSTEM….RR//
