Minister Ntabazi: 90% Rwenzori Land Disputes Petition Resolution Promised

• Communities in Uganda's Rwenzori Sub-region formally petitioned Minister of State for Lands Harriet Ntabazi at the close of Land Awareness Week 2026.
• The petitions sought government intervention to resolve long-standing land disputes impacting residents' livelihoods and access to land.
• Minister Ntabazi assured communities of follow-up and expressed optimism that 90% of the raised issues could be resolved soon.
• She urged Civil Society Organizations to strengthen community sensitization on land rights and called on judges to prioritize land cases for timely resolution.
• The communities now await concrete action and the implementation of the minister's commitments to address persistent land conflicts.

She confidently stated that approximately 90 percent of the land-related issues brought forward by the communities could be resolved in the very near future.

At the conclusion of Land Awareness Week 2026, residents from Uganda's Rwenzori Sub-region formally presented petitions to Harriet Ntabazi, the Minister of State for Lands. These communities are urgently seeking government intervention to address long-standing land disputes that have severely impacted their livelihoods and restricted their access to vital land resources. The collective action underscores the persistent challenges faced by many in the region concerning secure land tenure.

Upon receiving the detailed submissions, Minister Ntabazi acknowledged the gravity of the concerns raised by the communities. She provided assurances that the government is committed to thoroughly investigating the issues presented and actively pursuing effective solutions to these entrenched conflicts. Her response signals a direct engagement from the Ministry of Lands in what are often complex and sensitive local matters.

In a significant declaration, the Minister expressed considerable optimism regarding the potential for swift resolution. She confidently stated that approximately 90 percent of the land-related issues brought forward by the communities could be resolved in the very near future. This ambitious target sets a clear expectation for accelerated Uganda land dispute resolution efforts, particularly within the Rwenzori Sub-region, following the direct engagement facilitated by the communities' petition.

Beyond her direct assurances, Minister Harriet Ntabazi outlined broader strategies aimed at improving land governance and dispute resolution across the nation. She specifically called upon Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to intensify their efforts in community sensitization regarding land rights. This initiative is designed to empower residents by enhancing their understanding of their entitlements and responsibilities concerning land ownership and management, thereby strengthening community land rights Uganda.

Furthermore, the Minister issued a clear directive to judicial officers, urging magistrates and judges responsible for land-related cases to prioritize these matters. She emphasized the critical importance of dedicating the necessary attention to ensure that land disputes are diligently followed up and brought to a conclusion within a reasonable timeframe. This directive aims to streamline judicial processes and reduce backlogs that often exacerbate land conflicts.

Minister Ntabazi underscored that the prompt and efficient handling of land cases is not merely an administrative convenience but a fundamental requirement for maintaining social stability. She highlighted that timely resolutions are crucial in preventing disputes from escalating into more severe conflicts and are essential for ensuring that affected communities receive the justice they deserve. This proactive stance is intended to mitigate the impact of ongoing Rwenzori Sub-region land conflicts and foster a more equitable system.

The petitions submitted during Land Awareness Week 2026 highlight the continued prevalence of unresolved land disputes throughout the Rwenzori Sub-region. Communities in this area have consistently advocated for more robust government intervention and improved mechanisms for accessing justice, reflecting a broader national challenge in land administration. The conclusion of the awareness week now marks a pivotal transition, moving the focus from merely raising public consciousness to demanding concrete action and tangible redress for grievances.

There is palpable anticipation among the affected communities as they await the practical implementation of the commitments made by the Minister of Lands. The effectiveness of these pledges will be measured by whether the long-standing disputes, which have plagued the region for years, are finally brought to a definitive resolution. This period represents a critical test for the government's capacity to translate ministerial assurances into meaningful outcomes on the ground, particularly in addressing the complex and sensitive issue of Rwenzori land disputes Minister Ntabazi petition.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients on land matters in Uganda, particularly within the Rwenzori Sub-region, should note the Minister of Lands' commitment to resolve 90% of land disputes soon. This signals potential for expedited judicial processes or new policy directives, requiring vigilance for shifts in case prioritization and settlement opportunities.

Source: Based on reporting from AllAfrica.