By David Mwanje
The government is preparing to roll out a nationwide digital land registry to protect public land from illegal encroachment and increase revenue for public services.
The initiative, led by the Uganda Land Commission, will create a digital record of all government-owned land across the country. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the system will map land occupied by schools, hospitals, police stations, army barracks, prisons and forest reserves.
Officials say the project will address long-standing disputes caused by unclear boundaries and poor record keeping.
Uganda Land Commission Commissioner Kasenge Tom John Fisher said confusion over ownership between government agencies has been a major source of land conflicts.
Speaking to Real Muloodi Network, he explained that it has often been difficult to distinguish land owned directly by government from land managed by institutions such as the Buganda Land Board or local governments. The digital mapping system is expected to establish clear boundaries and reliable records.
Authorities also expect the project to raise more revenue from public land.
The Commission currently collects about UGX 7 billion annually from ground rent and leases. With the digital registry in place, officials project the figure could rise to UGX 12 billion within three years and eventually reach UGX 40 billion.
Government says the additional revenue will support services such as schools, hospitals and road infrastructure.
Officials emphasised that the exercise will not involve evictions. People occupying government land will instead be supported to regularise their documentation and pay ground rent where applicable.
The registry is also expected to reduce land disputes in courts, improve urban planning and strengthen protection of forests and wetlands important for agriculture and climate stability.
Government ministries have already been asked to submit records of land under their control. City and municipal authorities are working with the Commission to verify boundaries. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is providing technical support.
