Outgoing State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, now Attorney General, Sam Mayanja, has signaled that the government’s crackdown on land grabbing and illegal land dealings will continue despite his departure from the ministry, declaring that those who believed the battles had ended were mistaken.Mayanja made the remarks on Wednesday while officially handing over office to his successor, Harriet Ntabaazi, at the Ministry of Lands headquarters in Kampala.
In what appeared to be a farewell mixed with a warning to those involved in questionable land transactions, Mayanja described Ntabaazi as “a real fighter” capable of carrying forward the mission he had pursued during his five years at the ministry.
“I thank the President for entrusting me with this office for five years and for replacing me with a fellow fighter. Harriet is a real fighter because I have known her for long,” je said, adding than those who thought the fight is over are wrong.
During his tenure, Mayanja became one of the most visible and controversial figures in Uganda’s land sector, often intervening in disputes involving evictions, contested land titles and land grabbing.
Reflecting on his time in office, he said his work had largely focused on defending vulnerable Ugandans who had lost land through fraudulent dealings and unlawful evictions.
“Our job has been to fight for the oppressed and those who have been evicted,” he said.
Mayanja thanked ministry officials for supporting his work, noting that extensive travel across the country had enabled him to engage directly with land-related conflicts affecting ordinary citizens.
“I know many now call me controversial, but it is okay,” he remarked, adding that much of his work had been guided by presidential directives aimed at resolving long-standing land disputes.
As he handed over office instruments and key legal documents, Mayanja particularly emphasized Section 52 of the Land Act, which he described as a provision that had guided many of his decisions while in office.
He advised Ntabaazi to familiarize herself with the ministry’s Land Information System before embarking on field interventions, arguing that a proper understanding of land records would be essential in resolving disputes. Mayanja also cautioned the incoming minister that the office comes with significant risks and pressure.
“I’m not threatening you, but you will need security to execute your duties in this office,” he said, urging her to work closely with Resident District Commissioners, police commanders, among other concerned security organs, remarks which underscored the sensitive nature of Uganda’s land sector.
Ntabaazi, who previously served as State Minister in the Ministry of Trade, pledged to build on the foundation laid by her predecessor rather than reverse it.
She praised Mayanja for confronting land grabbing and restoring confidence in the ministry, saying she intended to preserve his legacy while pursuing reforms through collaboration and dialogue.
Her appointment signals a continuation of government efforts to tackle land-related conflicts, a challenge that remains central to both rural and urban communities across the country. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
