A recent proposal from Uganda's Ministry of Lands to pause the issuance of special land titles for three months has caused a split among lawmakers. Special certificates are important documents that replace lost or damaged land titles. The State Minister for Lands, Harriet Ntabazi, explained that there have been complaints about these special titles being issued even when the original titles still exist, which raises concerns about the integrity of land registration in Uganda. She emphasized that the pause is meant to improve the system and ensure that genuine landowners can still get replacements without issues. However, some MPs, like Sumayah Nabawanuka, argue that this suspension could harm legitimate landowners and suggest that the ministry should instead audit past titles for fraud. Others, like Cohen Amanya, worry that the pause could affect ongoing land court cases. While some lawmakers support the minister's decision as a necessary step to address land-related problems, others believe it is not the right approach. The Deputy Attorney General clarified that the law is not being suspended; applicants can still apply for special titles, but there may be delays as the ministry works on improvements.
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