By Karim Were
Senior Presidential Advisor Hadija Namyalo has called for urgent reforms to Uganda’s land policies, framing the issue as a matter of social justice and economic inclusion for low-income citizens. Speaking at the NRM leaders’ retreat in Ngoma, Nakaseke, she emphasized that current land regulations are increasingly out of step with the financial realities faced by ordinary Ugandans.
Namyalo highlighted that many urban and peri-urban residents rely on small, affordable plots of land—often acquired gradually through informal income sources such as vending—to secure housing for their families. However, existing requirements set by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development mandate a minimum plot size of 50×100 feet for land titles, effectively excluding owners of smaller plots from formal recognition.
Rather than viewing the issue purely as a regulatory matter, Namyalo presented it as a growing inequality challenge. She warned that denying legal ownership to those who have invested their limited resources into smaller plots risks deepening economic vulnerability and undermining trust in public institutions.
She also underscored the broader implications, noting that many affected individuals form a substantial portion of the electorate. Ignoring their concerns, she suggested, could have political consequences if policies continue to overlook their needs.
To address the situation, Namyalo announced plans to formally engage Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, urging a review of land regulations to make them more inclusive. She advocated for reforms that balance orderly urban planning with accessibility, ensuring that land ownership policies evolve alongside Uganda’s rapidly growing population and demand for affordable housing.
