The President of Uganda has issued an executive order to prohibit the involvement of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in land matters. This decision follows concerns about the army’s role in enforcing evictions and guarding land, which deviates from its primary mandate of securing the country’s borders.
A similar recommendation was made by the Bamugemereire Commission, which conducted a countrywide inquiry into land matters. The commission emphasized the need to keep soldiers out of land evictions, accusing them of instigating and perpetrating violence.
Richard Muganzi, the executive director of Landcode Initiative, a non-governmental organization focused on land rights, welcomed the move as a step towards demilitarizing civilian domains. He highlighted the importance of enhancing the capacity of the Uganda Police Force at the sub-county level to handle land-related issues effectively.
The advocacy and communication associate at Stand for Her Land Campaign Uganda, Ritah Kemigisa, emphasized the positive implications for women’s land rights. She stated that reducing military presence can contribute to a safer environment for women, as such presence is often linked to human rights violations, including gender-based violence.
Cultural institutions, including the Buganda Kingdom and Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, have expressed support for the ban on the army’s involvement in land matters. They believe that empowering the judiciary, police, and local leaders is crucial for resolving issues without resorting to the armed forces.
However, Member of Parliament Gilbert Olanya expressed skepticism, noting that several presidential directives are not implemented. He emphasized the fear that army generals might violate the directives, despite the president’s intentions.
The historical involvement of the army in land matters has raised concerns, with instances of powerful individuals aided by soldiers grabbing large tracts of land. A survey in Mubende District in 2018 revealed that soldiers were involved in violent displacement of residents and land-grabbing. In October, residents in Kayunga District disarmed and beat up UPDF soldiers patrolling contested land.
The complexity of land management in Uganda, marked by fraud, forgeries, multiple title issuances, and evictions, has prompted the government to work on implementing reforms. The President acknowledges the need for addressing these issues and emphasizes the importance of existing laws, such as the 1998 Land Act, which protects bibanja (tenant) rights.
