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Gov’t to Hold 9th National Land Awareness Week in Bugisu and Sebei Sub-Regions
The Minister of State for Lands, Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja, has announced that the 9th National Land Awareness Week will take place in the Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions from August 25–29, 2025, to address persistent land-related challenges and promote sustainable land use.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, Dr. Mayanja said the initiative—organised by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with district local governments, civil society organisations, cultural institutions, and non-state actors—will cover nine districts: Mbale, Mbale City, Sironko, Bulambuli, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Bududa, Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo.
This year’s theme is “Promoting Land Rights for Sustainable Land Use, for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”
Dr. Mayanja highlighted that the sub-region faces multiple challenges, including land conflicts, rampant land grabbing, encroachment on Mt. Elgon National Park, lack of land ownership documents, landslides, displacement due to natural disasters, and land fragmentation caused by population pressure. “The Land Awareness Week seeks to bridge this gap by creating a platform for Government, civil society, cultural and religious leaders, and the private sector to engage directly with communities, listen to their concerns, and provide legal, technical, and practical solutions,” Dr. Mayanja said.
The week-long campaign will include community dialogues, probono legal aid clinics, regional council meetings, radio and TV talk shows, youth-centred activities such as debates, music, dance, and drama, and environmental conservation efforts, including the planting of at least 5,000 tree seedlings.
Government agencies like the National Forestry Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the National Environment Management Authority will participate to integrating environmental protection with land governance. Cultural leaders of the Bamasaaba and Sebei people, alongside religious institutions, will also play a central role.
As an innovation this year, the Land Information System will be made freely available in the participating districts, with citizens assisted to register on the Land Services public portal for easier access to land transactions without travelling long distances.
The minister emphasised that the initiative particularly seeks to empower women, youth, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups, ensuring equitable access to land rights.
Dr. Mayanja concluded by urging leaders and communities to actively participate: “The Land Awareness Week is not just an event but a collective movement… Together, we can address our land challenges and secure a better future for all Ugandans.”
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