The Ugandan government has issued new guidelines to regulate land evictions and demolitions, aiming to curb illegal dispossessions and protect the rights of landholders. The rules, issued by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, seek to ensure that evictions are carried out lawfully, transparently, and with minimal disruption to affected communities.
According to a letter dated October 31 from Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, all evictions must now be backed by a valid court order that clearly identifies the property and the individuals involved. Local authorities and police must also be notified and present during the eviction process to ensure legal compliance and security.
The new rules set strict procedural requirements for eviction notices. Affected persons must now receive advance notice 90 to 120 days prior to any eviction or demolition, and evictions are only allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. No evictions are permitted on weekends or public holidays. These measures are intended to give residents sufficient time to seek legal recourse or alternative accommodation.
The guidelines also target non-court-sanctioned evictions, which have frequently been linked to dubious land transactions, contested subdivisions, or transfers that violate the rights of sitting tenants. The minister emphasized that evicting tenants without a court decision is strictly prohibited under Ugandan law, and anyone attempting to do so may face legal consequences.
The rules also address land inheritance and transfer issues. When land is subdivided or transferred, owners are required to submit documentation showing that tenants have either vacated the property or were offered the right of first refusal at least six months before the transfer. Updated land maps and imagery must also be provided to verify compliance.
In cases involving inherited land, heirs, executors, or administrators must recognize tenants’ legal or equitable interests and attempt mediation before proceeding with any eviction. The ministry stressed that forced evictions without following due process are illegal and undermine social stability.
These reforms come amid numerous high-profile land disputes across Uganda, where thousands of residents have faced evictions under unclear or illegal circumstances. For instance, in Namayumba Sub-county, more than 5,000 residents were threatened with eviction from over 1,000 acres of land, prompting intervention by government authorities and the courts.
By enforcing these new eviction rules, the government aims to enhance transparency and fairness in land administration, protect vulnerable residents from arbitrary displacement, and strengthen overall tenure security. Observers believe the measures could also reduce conflicts between developers, landowners, and tenants while promoting more orderly urban and rural development.
While the rules provide a legal framework for protecting landholders, experts note that successful implementation will require close monitoring, effective communication, and strict enforcement by local authorities and law enforcement agencies.