TThe Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD) has recorded significant achievements across its three core mandate areas: land administration and management, housing development, and urban development. These efforts are aligned with the national development agenda to ensure equitable access to land, orderly urbanization, and affordable housing. The Ministry has invested in policy reforms, technological advancement, institutional capacity building, and citizen-centered service delivery.
Below is a comprehensive summary of its accomplishments to date:
1. Land Administration and Management
a. National Land Information System (NLIS)
One of the Ministry’s flagship achievements is the implementation of the National Land Information System (NLIS), a computerized system that has transformed land registration and administration in Uganda. The NLIS was extended through Phase II,culminating in the establishment and operationalization of 22 fully functional Ministry
Zonal Offices (MZOs) and the National Land Information Centre (NLIC). These MZOs bring services closer to the people, reduce the cost of accessing land services, and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
Through the NLIS, key workflows have been digitalized to streamline the processing of Leasehold, Freehold, Mailo, and Certificates of Occupancy. The system enhances transparency, minimizes human error, and has reduced the turnaround time for title processing from months to under 10 working days. Continuous training of staff at MZOs and local governments ensures efficient system utilization and better customer care.
b. Title Issuance and Land Registration
The Ministry has made tremendous strides in improving land tenure security by issuing over 1.7 million land titles. These titles span across urban and rural areas, contributing to enhanced economic participation through secure land ownership.
Special focus was placed on customary land registration in districts such as Kasese,Nwoya, Adjumani and Pader. Over 42,000 Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) were issued, empowering communities to protect their ancestral lands and access land- related credit. The Ministry also supported systematic land demarcation, mapping over 500,000 parcels of land to secure land tenure for land owners
c. Land Dispute Resolution and Awareness
In response to the growing need for conflict resolution, the Ministry reintroduced District Land Tribunals in 16 districts to expedite land-related dispute settlement. Additionally,Area Land Committees and District Land Boards were trained and empowered to function effectively.
To bridge the knowledge gap and mitigate land-related conflicts, the Ministry rolled out nationwide awareness campaigns on land rights, targeting marginalized groups,especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities. These initiatives have enhanced public confidence and engagement in land processes.
2. Physical Planning and Urban Development
a. Spatial Planning and National Development
Recognizing the critical role of planning in sustainable development, the Ministry finalized the National Physical Development Plan and submitted it to Cabinet for approval. This plan serves as the spatial blueprint for integrating land use, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation.
At the regional and local level, over 120 urban centres received tailored physical development plans. These are harmonized with the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), ensuring accurate mapping and integration into national development frameworks.
b. Urbanization and Policy Implementation
With the rise of urbanization, the Ministry has actively supported the development of 10 new cities. Through planning assistance, technical support, and infrastructure facilitation, these cities are being transformed into well-governed, resilient urban centers.
The Ministry operationalized the National Urban Policy to guide coordinated urban growth, promote inclusive urban economies, and ensure environmental sustainability.
The establishment of the Urban Development Forum has provided a platform for stakeholder engagement and peer learning among urban authorities.
c. Slum Upgrading and Infrastructure Enhancement
Through the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Program, the Ministry implemented infrastructure upgrades in 33 municipalities. These include the construction of paved roads, drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and street lighting in informal settlements, improving safety and mobility.USMID has supported over 80 projects including markets, schools, health centres, and public sanitation facilities. These interventions have significantly enhanced the quality of
life in low-income urban communities. The project also constructed roads, abbatoirs,markets and learning centres across 8 refugee host districts of Madi-Okollo, Yumbe,Moyo, Adjumani, Kiryandongo, Lamwo, Kamwenge, Isingiro.
3. Housing Development
a. Policy and Regulatory Framework
The Ministry has operationalized the Uganda National Housing Policy, which promotes adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all. In support of this, the Ministry spearheaded the review of the Building Control Act and initiated drafting of the Condominium Law to govern vertical housing developments.
To promote decent housing, building guidelines were revised to incorporate climate-responsive designs and disaster risk reduction principles.
b. Public-Private Partnerships and Housing Stock Expansion
Recognizing the critical housing deficit, the Ministry championed partnerships with private developers. These collaborations have yielded over 4,500 new affordable housing units in rapidly urbanizing districts such as Kampala, Wakiso, and Mbarara.
The Ministry also promoted the adoption of low-cost housing technologies, including interlocking stabilized soil blocks and modular housing kits, which significantly reduce construction costs.
c. Housing Finance and Cooperative Support
To improve access to affordable finance, the Ministry provided technical and financial support to the Uganda Housing Cooperative Union and several housing SACCOs.
These institutions have enabled low- and middle-income earners to access housing loans and embark on incremental home construction.
4. Surveys and Mapping
The Ministry modernized the national geodetic control network by establishing over 320 permanent geodetic reference points. These form the backbone of accurate national surveys and mapping, supporting activities such as infrastructure development, land registration, and spatial planning.
In addition, the Ministry developed high-resolution base maps for over 40 districts.These maps are essential tools for decision-making and investment planning.Integration with the National Spatial Data Infrastructure ensures that geospatial data is centrally managed and accessible to stakeholders.
To support this modernization, the Ministry acquired state-of-the-art geospatial equipment and trained surveyors and technicians in advanced surveying technologies.
5. Institutional Strengthening and Reform
a. Legal and Policy Reforms
The Ministry has undertaken comprehensive legal reviews to address emerging land governance challenges. Key achievements include the enactment of the Land Acquisition Act and proposed amendments to the Land Act, Registration of Titles Act, and Survey Act.These reforms aim to close legal gaps, promote tenure security, and provide frameworks for fair and prompt compensation during compulsory land acquisition.
b. Capacity Building and Staffing
To improve service delivery, the Ministry recruited and trained staff across Ministry Zonal Offices, urban authorities, and the Ministry Headquarters. Training manuals and continuous professional development programs were rolled out, enhancing professionalism and technical competence.
c. Customer Service Improvement
The Ministry established a Call Centre and feedback mechanisms to enhance responsiveness to citizen concerns. Service charters were introduced at all MZOs,outlining expected service standards and timelines. Additionally, online portals for land services, including title search and application tracking, have improved convenience
and transparency.
6. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Land
Governance
The Ministry mainstreamed gender across its programming by promoting joint land ownership and encouraging issuance of land titles in women’s names. This initiative hasempowered thousands of women with secure land tenure, a fundamental step toward economic and social empowerment.
Furthermore, the Ministry trained over 500 members of District Land Boards and Area Land Committees on gender-responsive land governance. These stakeholders now ensure inclusive and equitable practices in land allocation and administration. Partnerships with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have strengthened community sensitization on women’s land rights, customary practices, and dispute resolution.These efforts continue to drive cultural change and support vulnerable groups in accessing and protecting their land rights.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has demonstrated strategic leadership and innovation in driving Uganda's land and urban development agenda. Through digital transformation, legislative reform, infrastructure investment, and inclusive policy implementation, the Ministry is laying the foundation for a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Uganda. With continued stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and commitment to service excellence, the Ministry is well-positioned to address emerging challenges and unlock the full potential of land and urban resources for national development
