ULC faces Shs 500bln compensation arrears, Buganda tops regional claims

KAMPALA, September 3, 2025 – – The Uganda Land Commission [ ULC ] has appealed to Members of Parliament to expedite the enactment of the Uganda Land Commission Bill, saying the legislation is crucial for the Commission to effectively execute its mandate.

Walter Pade, the Principal Planning Officer at ULC, made the call while appearing before parliament’s Committee on Lands on Tuesday. Pade explained that once enacted, the Bill would define ULC’s autonomy, address long-standing funding and staffing gaps, and bring the Commission in line with other Constitutional bodies.

“We urge the committee to support the fast-tracking of the ULC Bill,” Pade said. He also emphasized the need for increased funding to help develop a government land inventory, construct a permanent home for the Commission, and create a national land bank.

Committee Chairperson, Gyaviira Ssemwanga, and Deputy Chairperson, Andrew Ojok, pledged their support, noting the Bill is currently under review by the First Parliamentary Counsel.

Highlighting current challenges, Pade revealed that ULC is burdened with over Shs 500 billion in compensation arrears owed to absentee landlords across the country. The Buganda region leads the claims with over Shs 291bln, followed by Bugisu [Shs 79bln], Bunyoro [Shs 41bln], Ankole [Shs 38bln], and Tooro [Shs 3 billion].

Despite the financial constraints, ULC has successfully acquired more than 2,000 hectares of land through compensation and has paid for over 99,000 hectares to secure lawful and bona fide occupants, particularly in Buganda, Bunyoro, Ankole, and Tooro.

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, echoed the need for increased funding. “The land is available, and landlords are willing to sell, but ULC lacks the funds for compensation,” she said.

Juliet Kinyamatama, the Rakai district Woman Member of Parliament, supported the funding proposal but stressed the importance of transparency in compensation processes.

Meanwhile, Charles Tebandeke, Bbale County Member of Parliament raised concerns over a recent lease of Nakivubo land in Kampala to businessman Hamis Kiggundu for redevelopment of the Nakivubo channel. He demanded clarity on which government body is responsible for the land title and the legality of transferring public land to a private entity.

In response, Minister Nabakooba promised to consult with the Kampala Capital City Authority [KCAA] and the Ministry of Water and Environment to provide a comprehensive explanation.

https://thecooperator.news/igad-supports-review-of-ugandas-national-land-policy/

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