By Diana N. Kintu
The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development has raised concern over the sharp increase in land‑related crimes across Uganda, despite the existing legal and policy framework governing land ownership and tenure security.
According to Uganda Police data published on March 31, 2026, reported land‑related crimes rose by 67%, from 397 cases in 2024 to 663 in 2025.
The Ministry noted that this trend threatens investment, wealth creation, and social stability.
The causes of land disputes include fragmented and outdated laws, unscrupulous land agents, forged transaction documents, absentee landlords, unlawful evictions, and boundary disputes. To address these challenges, the government has introduced several measures, including Administrative Circular No. 1 of 2025, which requires District Security Committees to oversee evictions and prohibits the deployment of private security on contested land.
“We emphasize the need to strictly observe legal procedures before any eviction or demolition is undertaken. Every eviction must be preceded by a valid court order, with notice of 90 to 120 days, and carried out in a manner that respects human rights and dignity,” said Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Additional interventions include the Land (Annual Nominal Ground Rent) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, allowing tenants to deposit rent for absentee landlords through the Uganda Revenue Authority, the introduction of blockchain and artificial intelligence to curb land fraud, mass titling to resolve boundary disputes, and sensitization programs to educate the public on land rights.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ land rights and ensuring social justice.
“All stakeholders are urged to comply with established legal procedures to curb land‑related conflicts and crimes,” said Hon. Nabakooba.
Source: Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Press Media Brief.