The Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development,Judith Nabakooba, has authorised residents of Rwentuha, Kazinga, and parts of Mpara Town Council who had been living on the disputed Kyaka I refugee settlement land to begin the formal process of applying for land titles.
The announcement comes a year after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni intervened and allocated the land to the locals, overturning an earlier plan to use part of it for an industrial park and avocado farm.
Speaking during her visit to Kazinga Primary School in Kazinga Town Council on Sunday, November 9, Nabakooba said the government fully supports the residents’ right to secure ownership of the land they have long occupied.
“The President made it clear that you are not to be evicted from this land,” Nabakooba emphasised. “It is now time to formalise ownership. Start the application process for your land titles, and my Ministry will work with you every step of the way.”
The disputed land covers approximately five square miles, stretching across Rwentuha Sub-county, Kazinga Town Council, and parts of Mpara Town Council in Kyegegwa District.
Nabakooba instructed the District Chairperson, John Kisoke Byamukama, to collaborate with the District Land Board and the District Surveyor through the Area Land Committees to ensure that residents receive and submit their title applications without delay.
“Once your applications are in, I will send a technical team from the Ministry to carry out systematic land adjudication and certification,” she added.
Her remarks followed concerns from some residents who still doubted President Museveni’s directive, fearing the land could be reclaimed for other government projects. Nabakooba reassured them that the President’s decision is final and legally binding.
The dispute dates back to January 2024, when President Museveni, in a letter dated January 30, directed the Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, Hilary Onek, to secure 10 square miles from Kyaka I and Kyaka II refugee settlements for industrial development. The directive was copied to the Vice President, the Prime Minister, and local legislators.
However, during a visit to Migamba Sub-county on October 13, 2024, President Museveni reversed his earlier decision after meeting with over 130,000 affected residents at Sooba Primary School Playground.
The President made the announcement following appeals from Kyaka South MP and Deputy Attorney General, Jackson Kafuuzi Karugaba, who requested that the locals be allowed to retain their land.
Residents have since expressed gratitude for the government’s decision, though many await official documentation to secure their ownership.
The Ministry’s next steps will include demarcation, surveying, and issuance of land titles a process expected to begin in early 2026.