By Guest Writer
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) this morning conducted an external validation meeting of its research titled: “An Assessment of Persistent Land Conflicts in the Buganda Sub-region of Uganda.”
The research was conducted by the Directorate of Research, Education and Documentation, with Ms. Betty Among as the lead researcher.
The validation meeting was officially opened by the Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, and attended by Members of the Commission:
Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, and Hon. Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza.
In her opening remarks, Hon. Wangadya noted that “land is central to the well-being and dignity of people as it impacts their livelihoods, identity, and security.”
She further highlighted that disputes over land ownership, boundaries, access, use, and tenure continue to affect individuals, families, and communities, with serious ramifications for the entire country.
“This is one of the factors that prompted the commissioning of this research because persistent land conflicts were raising serious concerns about their consequences, which were undermining social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and socio-economic development, particularly for the vulnerable and marginalised,” Hon. Wangadya added.
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, noted that the research was conducted with the support of Members of the Commission, including Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, and Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga.
The validation meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Local Government, the Buganda Land Board, the Judiciary, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the National NGO Forum, and the Uganda Police Force’s Land Protection Unit.
Other participants included the Caretaker Director of Research, Education and Documentation, Ms. Rosemary Kemigisha; Human Rights Officers from the Directorate of Research, Education and Documentation; and the Public Affairs Manager, among others.
While delivering closing remarks on behalf of the Chairperson, Hon. Shifrah Lukwago noted that the validation meeting had been necessary and had provided a platform for testing the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of the research.
“Through your insights, experiences, and constructive criticism, the findings have been refined and strengthened. The Commission values this process highly because the credibility of a process of this nature rests not only on the quality of the research but also on the extent to which those most affected and those closest to the issues are able to interrogate and shape the final product,” she remarked. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
