Grapevine

Women activists call for reforms in land management

Women activists in the land sector have urged the government to implement reforms in land management to better protect women’s rights to land ownership and usage.

As the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development intensifies land reforms through its Program Implementation Action Plans (PIAPs), the activists gathered at a training session on the Strategic Directions for the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) emphasized the need for substantial improvements.

They highlighted several urgent issues, including the establishment of land information systems in all local governments, robust reforms in the surveying and titling of government land, and the rollout of the land valuation management information system to Ministry Zonal Offices (MZOs).

“While NDP III made progress in prioritizing land as a crucial element for national development, significant gaps remain, particularly in advancing women’s land rights. Despite their vital role in the agricultural sector, women continue to face barriers in accessing land and resources. Without a targeted, gender-responsive approach in budgeting for NDP IV, these disparities risk being perpetuated or exacerbated,” said Ms Lillian Achola, the Executive Director of LANDnet Uganda.

Ms Caroline Kayanja, Senior Program Officer at the Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children Welfare (UCOBAC), emphasized the need to strengthen existing systems to establish a functional land administrative body and create more opportunities for women in decision-making processes.