The East Ruwenzori has intensified efforts to secure its landholdings through a mass land-titling initiative aimed at converting church land from customary tenure to freehold ownership.
The exercise, which began in 2024, was officially rolled out in East Rwenzori Diocese on Saturday during a meeting at the diocesan headquarters in Kamwenge Town Council, Kamwenge District, that brought together officials from the Ministry of Lands and the Church of Uganda Provincial Secretariat. The launch was attended by local government leaders and diocesan officials.
Under the initiative, all land owned by the Church of Uganda, including church premises, church-founded schools, health facilities, and other institutional properties, will be surveyed, documented, and issued with freehold land titles.
Mark Lukyamuzi, an official from the Church Commissioners Holding Company, said the programme is intended to safeguard church property from encroachment, land disputes, and fraudulent ownership claims.
Amon Namanya from the Ministry of Lands said the exercise will be implemented jointly with local government authorities and church leaders to ensure transparency and accuracy throughout the registration process.
He noted that the collaboration will help verify ownership details, resolve emerging issues, and facilitate the smooth issuance of land titles.
Church leaders were also urged to address any existing boundary disputes before survey teams begin work in their respective areas.
Balaam Muhwezi, the Provincial Treasurer of the Church of Uganda, said unresolved land conflicts could delay the titling process and called on parishes and institutions to harmonize boundaries in advance.
Rt Rev George K. Turyasingura, the Bishop of East Rwenzori Diocese, welcomed the initiative, saying it will strengthen the protection of church assets and ensure that land intended for ministry and community services remains secure for future generations.
He commended the government for supporting the exercise, noting that religious institutions play a vital role in education, healthcare, and social development-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
