The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has urged religious leaders across Uganda to take an active role in addressing land-related disputes affecting their places of worship and communities.
She said timely reporting is key to resolving conflicts before they escalate.
Speaking during the requiem mass for Mr John Livingstone Kataza, 73, principal of Namutamba Teacher Training College and head of the Mityana Anglican Christian Fraternity, who died earlier this week in a road accident, Nabakooba noted that many churches, mosques, and other faith-based institutions face unresolved land ownership challenges because issues are reported too late.
“We encourage all religious leaders to speak out whenever land issues arise,” Nabakooba said. “Do not suffer quietly. Bring these matters to the attention of the relevant authorities so that we can guide you and provide the necessary support.”
She warned that silence emboldens wrongdoers, noting that some worship centres risk demolition or forced relocation due to unclear ownership or fraudulent transactions.
“Many of your institutions are losing land simply because the leaders shy away from reporting the problems,” she added.
Nabakooba reassured leaders that her ministry is committed to working closely with faith-based organisations to promote transparency, strengthen land documentation, and resolve long-standing disputes.
She also urged religious leaders to educate their congregations on lawful land acquisition and the importance of proper registration, a move she said would reduce conflicts in communities.
“You have influence in your communities,” the minister said. “Use your platforms to educate people about the right procedures for buying, registering, and using land.”
Her remarks come at a time when Uganda continues to record increasing cases of land disputes, often linked to poor documentation, fraudulent sales, and encroachment on institutional land.