KIKUUBE, July 2, 2025 –– Over 1,000 farmers in Kikuube district have received freehold land titles from government through the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development [MLHUD], bringing hope to communities long affected by land disputes.
The 1,100 land titles are part of 20,000 being processed for the district under a World Bank-funded project, implemented by Turkish firm MESCIOGLU. The initiative, which began in August last year, targets low-income earners, with each beneficiary required to pay only Shs 60,000 for the land title.
The land titles were handed over during celebrations for International Women’s Day, held belatedly at Ruguse Primary School in Kyamasuka village, Bugambe Sub-county. The event was officiated by Minister Nabakooba.
Nabakooba said the government is committed to strengthening land security and noted that the remaining titles are still being processed.
“This initiative secures land rights, especially for women, to enable socio-economic transformation. I encourage beneficiaries to use their land for productive ventures like commercial agriculture to ensure food security and increased household income,” she said.
She revealed that 30 percent of the current beneficiaries are women and warned against selling titled land, urging instead that the documents be used as collateral to access credit for development.
“These titles protect you from land disputes. Do not sell your land. Use it to build wealth and uplift your families,” she added.
Nabakooba also clarified that the Shs 60,000 paid by land is fair enough. “The fee is minimal compared to the Shs 3 million it usually costs to process a land title. No one should fail to raise this amount,” she stressed.
Beneficiaries express joy
Chiriga Twahur, a 60-year-old farmer from Kahara village in Bugambe Sub-county, received a land title for 0.69 hectares. She expressed relief, saying she had long feared losing her land to speculators.
“I never dreamed of owning a land title. I’ve lived in fear, but now I have security. No one can take my land,” she said.
Rev. Eric Twine, Dean of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese and resident of Kiziranfumbi Sub-county, said the titles offer protection from land grabbers who have taken advantage of vulnerable communities.
“Many people in this region have lost land through illegal titling and evictions. This programme gives us hope and the freedom to invest in our land,” he said.
Leaders welcome the initiative, call for more support
The Kikuube District Woman Member of Parliament [MP] Florence Natumanya said the land title distribution is a vital step in addressing Kikuube’s longstanding land conflicts, which have hindered agricultural development and displaced many families.
“People, especially women, haven’t been able to engage in permanent farming like coffee growing due to uncertainty over land ownership,” she noted.
Steven Asera Rwaitaza, MP for Buhaguzi East, welcomed the 20,000 titles but called for more, noting that land insecurity remains widespread across sub-counties such as Kyagwali, Bugambe, and Kabwoya.
“Kikuube is a large district with many farmers who still lack proof of ownership. We urge government to continue this programme to safeguard livelihoods,” he said.
The distribution of land titles marks a major step towards resolving land conflicts and empowering communities in Kikuube district through a secure land tenure.
https://thecooperator.news/over-3000-land-titles-issued-to-locals-in-ankole-subregion/
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