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Government has bought 714 acres of land for residents of Gomba District, previously owned by Mr. Peter Wasswa. The lands minister, Judith Nabakooba, announced this during a meeting with locals in Gomba. The government has compensated Mr. Wasswa, and surveyors will soon be sent to measure the land. Residents are advised to cooperate with the survey team to determine their land sizes before land titles are issued. The surveying process will be free, and the government has covered all expenses.

For residents from four villages in the Gomba District, the government has completely cleared land measuring 714 acres on Gomba Block 209 on plots 431, 333, 315,307, and 409. Nkwale, Kasaka, Kitemu, and Kkome-Nsaasi are the four villages.

Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba made the revelation on July 6 during a gathering with locals in Gomba. She stated that Mr. Peter Wasswa, the previous landowner, had been cleared and that preparations were being made to survey the property. He is no longer requesting any coins because the government has paid him all his money.

According to Uganda area Commission (ULC), which will soon send surveyors to measure the area and define its boundaries, the land is now entirely within the jurisdiction of the government, she stated.

Nabakooba asked locals to cooperate with the technical team that will be sent on ground to determine the size of the land for each occupant before land titles are issued.

She advised, “You have been patient for all these years, get in touch with the team from the ULC, sort out all issues you have on the land before ULC measures it,” adding that individuals who had already sold their land to Mr. Wasswa would not profit from this activity.

The minister also advised families to avoid dividing their land because it is the main reason for land disputes, which in turn result in underdevelopment.

“The surviving family members often split the estate among themselves once the estate owner passes away, which is unfortunate. The main reason for land disputes is this. I want a family to set up trustees and enjoy the property together”. she urged.

She informed the locals that since surveying is free and the government paid for the entire procedure, they should not be tricked into paying for the service.

She claims that because this is a Mailo land, residents will just have to pay Busuulu and Shs25,000 to register in order to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

She added that after measuring is completed, a land map will be pinned in each hamlet so that recipients can verify their eligibility before printed land titles are issued.

“The map will show the names of the landowners, the area of their property, and its location. I join the local authorities to organize the populace, keep an eye on, and oversee the entire activity as surveyors will be present doing their job.”

The land disputes began in 2018, according to Mr. Yusuf Kironde, chairperson of Kitemu LC I, and some individuals were compelled to flee homes Bibanja when Mr. Wasswa asserted possession of the land.

He acquired some of their Bibanja after reaching an agreement with others, and after providing them land titles, he took some of their land.

The Minister was praised by Mr. Joel Kyajja Baduuzi, the mayor of Kanoni Town Council, for giving up her time to visit the victims’ communities and learn about their concerns.

After reclaiming full possession of the land, he congratulated the President for the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, saying it will help his people.

“We were worried that PDM has come at a time when people are being displaced, but we now have hope that our economic status will be elevated,” he said.

According to Ms. Edith Nakate, the deputy chief administrative officer, 652 PDM cash beneficiaries have already received approval, and 142 more will in the coming week.