In abid to help disadvantaged people in rural from Land grabbers, Ministry of lands in partnership with its stakeholders will hold free legal services for rural people during the 9th National Land awareness Week in the Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions from 25th to 29th August 2025.
This important initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is in partnership with the District Local Governments of Bugisu and Sebei; Civil Society Organizations; and other non-state actors.
State Minister for Lands Sam Mayanja told the media in Kampala that planned activities will cover the nine districts ofMbale, Mbale City, Sironko, Bulambuli, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Bududa, Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo.
The theme for this year’s Land Awareness Week is “Promoting Land Rights for Sustainable Land Use, for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.
According to the minister this region faces challenges which include land grabbing especially in the lower belt of Sebei in the Subregion; environmental degradation and encroachment around the mount Elgon national park; the lack of legal documents for the customary owners and their limited understanding of land rights and responsibilities.
He says this year’s land awareness week will bring together a wide range of stakeholders. Critical government agencies such as the National Forestry Authority, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the National Environment Management Authority, which will participate to ensure that land governance goes hand in hand with environmental protection.Cultural institutions, particularly the leadership of the Bamasaaba and Sebei people, alongside religious leaders and private sector actors, will also play a central role, ensuring that solutions are rooted in community values and traditions.
“The aim of this initiative is to empower communities, especially women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, including the Land Management Institutions, by giving them access to knowledge, tools, and land services that protect their land and land rights,”Mayanja stated.
Local governments, land administration bodies, and customary institutions will also be supported to strengthen their capacity to manage land issues fairly, transparently, and effectively.
The Ministry will also hold free mobile legal services to community members. Farmers and families will have the opportunity to present their cases and receive guidance on succession, land acquisition, compensation, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and other matters. These clinics will be open to everyone in the participating districts, creating a safe space for citizens to freely access justice and advice.
