The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has launched a land titling exercise for Church of Uganda properties in the Rwenzori region, calling on dioceses and church institutions to protect and productively utilize church land.
He said securing land titles would curb encroachment and land grabbing while enabling the church to become more self-sustaining and expand its ministry.
The Archbishop launched the exercise at St. John’s Cathedral in Kabarole, describing it as a significant step toward safeguarding church property and promoting sustainable development across the province.
The project is being implemented by Church Commissioners Holding Company Limited, the business arm of the Church of Uganda, with support from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Archbishop Kaziimba thanked the government for supporting the initiative, saying the land titling exercise would help protect church property from increasing cases of encroachment and land grabbing.
He urged dioceses and church institutions to put their land to productive use, noting that well-managed land can generate income to support the church’s mission and reduce dependence on external funding.
The Archbishop also condemned the growing trend of church members grabbing church land.
He said it was regrettable that land generously donated by earlier generations to support the church was now being targeted by their children and grandchildren.
Representing the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Dennis Obbo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping religious institutions secure land titles.
He said land security is critical to the growth and stability of church institutions but noted that many churches have failed to register their land or appoint trustees to legally hold it.
Obbo advised church leaders to ensure all church land is registered with the consent of the responsible line minister.
The launch was attended by the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku, alongside other diocesan officials, clergy, and church representatives from across the Rwenzori region. According to the Ministry of Lands, the land titling exercise in the Rwenzori region is expected to take 10 days-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
