By BM Musanje
The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel KazImba Mugalu, has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying Church land, declaring that the Church will take firm action against all forms of land grabbing.
Speaking during the official opening of a one-day training on the Land Information Management System (LIMS) at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, today, Archbishop Kazimba emphasized that the Church will no longer tolerate encroachment on its property.
“We now know what we own. We have the tools to track and protect every piece of land entrusted to us. Anyone who tries to grab Church land will face the full weight of the law.” he said.
He added, “Diocesan Secretaries, as the Chief Administrators of the Dioceses, and Diocesan Estates Officers, who are responsible for monitoring Church assets and advising Bishops and Diocesan management teams on land use, your roles are critical in protecting the Church’s assets,” Archbishop Kazimba stated.
The training, organized by Church Commissioners Holding Company Ltd, brought together Diocesan Secretaries and Estates Officers from all 39 Dioceses of Church of Uganda.
The purpose of the session was to equip Church leaders with the skills to operate the newly developed digital platform designed to enhance land governance, accountability, and long-term protection of Church assets.
Archbishop Kazimba commended Church Commissioners Holding Company Ltd for the innovation and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to responsible land stewardship.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, led by Hon. Judith Nabakooba, for providing technical support during the recent mass land registration exercise.
Rev. Dr. Jasper Tumuhimbise, Chief Executive Officer of Church Commissioners Holding Company Ltd, described the Land Information Management System as a user-friendly platform tailored to track, document, and secure Church land.
He noted that the system will be officially launched after similar training is conducted for the Church’s Registered Trustees, who are the bishops.
In a strong call for compliance, the Provincial Secretary of Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, urged all Dioceses to register Church land and all other assets under the Registered Trustees of Church of Uganda.
“Dioceses are not legal entities in themselves. We have lost valuable Church property because some leaders ignored policy. To protect what belongs to the Church, all assets must be registered under the proper legal framework,” Rev. Canon Ongeng said.
He called on the officers to serve with integrity and accountability, noting that the future of the Church’s physical infrastructure rests largely on how well they manage its land and property.
