SOROTI, May 12, 2026 — For 100 vulnerable households in Soroti district, land security is finally within reach. Through funding from SELAVIP, Habitat for Humanity Uganda will provide them with Certificates of Customary Ownership by September 2026.
The programme, which is expected to commence soon and run until September 2026, is estimated to cost US$ 70,000 [about Shs 263 million]. SELAVIP will contribute US$ 50,000, Habitat for Humanity Uganda US$ 15,000, while the 100 beneficiaries will collectively contribute US$ 5,000.
SELAVIP is a non-governmental organisation that funds housing projects targeting extremely poor urban families in Africa, Asia and Latin America, focusing on urgent, small-scale interventions such as basic housing construction, repairs and land title regularisation.
Paul Mayende, the Advocacy Officer at Habitat for Humanity Uganda, revealed this last Thursday during an inception meeting held at the district headquarters. He said the initiative aims to protect beneficiaries from eviction while enabling them to construct permanent homes.
“Land that is properly documented is one of the hardest things to sell. Once beneficiaries obtain these documents, family consent will be required before any sale can take place,” Mayende said.
Mayende explained that the beneficiaries’ contribution of Shs 180,000 each will cater for tax clearances, official notices and transport costs for meetings.
Ocan said the programme would support 100 vulnerable households to secure their land through the acquisition of Certificates of Customary Ownership.
“The certificates should not be seen as an opportunity to sell off the land. Beneficiaries must protect it, knowing it is meant to serve future generations,” Ocan warned.
He added that beneficiaries had already been identified through a community assessment, and GPS mapping of their households had been completed.
Ocan urged all community members, not only the beneficiaries, to secure their land tenure, noting that life is unpredictable and that proper documentation helps families prove ownership in the event of a death.
Moses Esatu, the Principal Assistant Secretary of Soroti district, welcomed the initiative, saying it had come at a critical time when land disputes were straining families and clogging local courts.
“Securing land tenure will reduce conflict and protect vulnerable households,” Esatu said.
Bob Owiny, the LC5 Chairperson and councillor representing Tubur Town Council, thanked Habitat for Humanity Uganda for supporting vulnerable communities, noting that land disputes account for the highest number of cases before the High Court.
“When you go to the High Court in Soroti, the majority of cases are land-related,” he said.
He warned that without formal documentation, families risk losing their land to grabbers or becoming entangled in costly disputes following the death of a household head.
https://thecooperator.news/govt-launches-phase-two-of-elgon-landslide-resettlement-programme/
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