By Our Reporter
Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mathias Lutwama has intensified efforts to combat land grabbing in Alebtong District through a government-backed programme that will provide free customary land titles to 518 families.
The initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development with support from development partners Cordaid and ZOA, seeks to strengthen land ownership rights and shield residents from fraudulent claims over ancestral land.
For years, land disputes and ownership wrangles have remained a major challenge in parts of Alebtong, with some cases escalating into prolonged conflicts among families, clans and neighbours.
Lutwama said the issuance of customary land titles will provide beneficiaries with legally recognised proof of ownership, making it difficult for opportunists to claim land that does not belong to them.
He explained that secure land documentation is not only expected to reduce conflicts but also give families confidence to invest in agriculture and other development projects without fear of losing their land.
Over the last three months, Lutwama, district land officials and representatives from Cordaid and ZOA have been conducting sensitisation meetings across Angetta, Adwir, Apala and Aloi sub-counties, educating communities on the registration process and the benefits of securing customary land titles.
The programme has so far registered 518 families whose applications have undergone verification by Area Land Committees, inspection by Physical Planning Committees and scrutiny by the District Land Board.
After approval, the applications were forwarded to the Ministry of Lands Zonal Office in Lango for processing.
District authorities have announced that the beneficiaries will begin receiving their customary land title certificates on July 4, 2026, during a public function in Alebtong.
The programme is fully funded by the Government of Uganda and its development partners, meaning applicants will receive the certificates free of charge.
Leaders in the district believe the initiative will mark a significant step in protecting community land, reducing ownership disputes and strengthening tenure security for future generations.
For many families, the certificates represent more than a legal document; they are a safeguard against land loss and a foundation for long-term economic growth.
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