Archbishop Kaziimba Launches Mass Land Titling Exercise in Rwenzori Region
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has today launched a mass land titling exercise for Church of Uganda land across the Rwenzori region.
The exercise was launched at St John’s Cathedral, Kabarole, in Fort Portal City, Ruwenzori Diocese. It is being undertaken by Church Commissioners Holding Company Limited (Church of Uganda’s business arm) with support from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Archbishop Kaziimba commended the Ministry for supporting the Church’s efforts to secure titles for its land. He said the exercise would protect Church property from encroachment and the increasing cases of land grabbing reported across the Province.
“Most of the land owned by the Church was donated by people of goodwill, often without written documentation. Unfortunately, some of their children and grandchildren are now attempting to reclaim it. We are stewards, not owners, of this land. It is meant for ministry and not for individual use,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He urged dioceses and other Church institutions to put their land to productive use after obtaining titles, noting that properly secured and utilised land could contribute significantly to the Church’s self-sustainability agenda and ministry.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Mr Dennis Obbo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the mass titling of land belonging to religious institutions.
“This is a presidential directive to facilitate the titling of land belonging to the Church of Uganda, the Catholic Church, Muslims, Seventh-day Adventists and other faith institutions. Our teams will spend 10 days in the Rwenzori region to undertake the necessary work,” Mr Obbo said.
The launch was attended by the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, the Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo; the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, the Rt Rev Nason Baluku; the Provincial Treasurer, Mr Balaam Muheebwa; Mr Mark Lukyamuzi, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of Church Commissioners Holding Company Limited; diocesan secretaries from the Rwenzori region; clergy and other Church leaders.
