The government is developing a National Land Use Implementation Plan aimed at streamlining land use and promoting the optimal utilisation of land resources across the country.

The plan is being developed by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development as part of broader efforts to implement the National Land Policy.

Speaking during the World Habitat Day commemorations in Kampala, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Judith Nabakooba said the implementation plan will provide a systematic framework for translating land policy principles into concrete programmes and reforms.

Nabakooba said the plan will focus on strengthening land administration systems, improving integrated land-use planning in both urban and rural areas, and ensuring coordinated funding and implementation across different sectors.

She stressed the need for the country to plan ahead and determine the best ways to utilise its land resources before challenges become more difficult to address.

Nabakooba also raised concerns about the growing number of informal settlements in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, saying there are more than 100 public and private slums that require better planning and upgrading.

She said there is a need to develop affordable housing solutions for residents of informal settlements while improving their living conditions.

Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity Uganda Managing Director Paul Okiring called for land reforms that respond to the needs of Uganda’s growing population, including regularisation of land tenure and greater support for slum upgrading.

Okiring said Habitat for Humanity is developing a three-year strategy focused on constructing more and better homes, transforming housing finance institutions to make housing finance more affordable to ordinary Ugandans, and promoting action on housing and its contribution to other social sectors.

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