The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has launched the first-ever certificate of customary land ownership registry in Maracha district.
The initiative which was funded by the European Union (EU) under the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) seeks to avert land-related conflicts in the district, ensure land security, and create value for land as an asset.
The land registry offices and issuance of certificates were launched on Thursday by the State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mario Kania Obiga, and a delegation of the EU and UNCDF.
It was held at Kijimoro and Oluvu Sub counties headquarters. Eunice Nabukuya, the Principal Land Officer in the Ministry of Land says that this is the first model certificate of customary land ownership registry in the country.
She explained that the certificate has four major parts among them the land location, important features, size, details of owners, sketch map, and unique features attached to a particular certificate.
She added that the certificate is legally recognized and would be used in accordance with the available land laws, adding that no other certificate can issued for the same land once this is issued.
Johnson Moroga, the Kijimoro Sub County LCIII Chairperson the new development will reduce land and boundary conflicts which were being regularly registered in the area.
According to Moroga, at least 400 applicants have applied for the certificate, however, he appealed that the same support be extended to institutions such as schools and churches.
Bosco Asia, the Maracha district vice chairperson disclosed that they have about 2,840 acres of land that require titling.
He added that would improve land security and build the capacity of the people with about 1,294 women already benefiting from the program.
Dmitry Pozhidaev the Head of Office UNCDF in Uganda and Regional Technical Advisor says that they want to ensure peace and security of the people, adding that it will also add value to land owners and foster agriculture.
Caroline Adriaensen, the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Uganda said that this is a great achievement realized under which they are funding since they pose good opportunities.
She explained that land ownership is a source of conflict, hence titling reduces conflict and also acts as security for loans to access funds for agriculture.
Obiga says the initiative was funded by development partners.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude saying that they now have powers over the land, promoted family businesses, and reduced conflicts hence promoting peace among the people.
URN.