The outgoing Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Betty Amongi has urged her successor Beti Olive Kamya to fast-track the implementation of pending bills required for the protection of land rights.
She said that there are many pending issues related to laws and policies that Betty Kamya should expect to find on her desk.
She made the remarks during the handover of the office to Beti Kamya on Tuesday in Kampala.
She said vital legislation that has yet to be passed provides for standardized land mapping, proper land survey and agreements on how government can acquire land from individuals.
She tasked Kamya to first ensure that Ugandans have information and security through issuing of certificates of ownership of piece of land
“The bibanja holders should be surveyed and certificates given to them, it is the first experiment, it is a very critical area where you should concentrate,” she said.
She explained that some of the laws provided for land acquisition and ownership include the 1995 constitution, the Uganda land policy as well as the land act.
This is however insufficient to provide guidance on land matters.
She said as a result, the country has witnessed a number of land conflicts with many resulting into loss of life and property.
Amongi observed that Ugandans are looking at the lands ministry for the protection of their property.
“Even the poorest person in the country, the only wealth that he or she will show to you is land,” she said.
She said the ministry has considered drafting new laws and policies including the National resettlement land acquisition and rehabilitation policy as well as the amendment of the survey act to further guide on land matters.
Kamya said that she is more than ready to take up the new role.
“But as public servant, wherever you are deployed, you take your best mind. You take your best attitude and you take your open minds. I am eager to work and I am eager to learn,” she said.