Government has lifted the two-month suspension on the issuance of special certificates of land titles following a review of the guidelines governing the process, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has announced.

On August 14, 2026, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development suspended the issuance of the certificates following persistent complaints from members of the public who alleged that individuals were using the process to fraudulently take over other people’s land.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Minister Nabakooba said the revised guidelines establish a clear framework for processing applications for special certificates of land titles while strengthening safeguards against fraudulent claims.

She explained that the guidelines cover applicants who have lost their original land grants, cases involving obliterated titles, court-ordered grants and applications submitted by administrators of estates belonging to deceased persons.

Nabakooba said applicants must comply with specific procedures and provide the required documentation, depending on the category under which they seek a special certificate.

The requirements include a report from the Local Council One (LC1) committee, passport-size photographs, a statutory declaration supporting the application and a National Identification Card, among other documents.

The minister emphasised that the application process would involve verification and public notification before a special certificate could be issued.

She said the registrar would be required to publish a notice in the Uganda Gazette or a newspaper for at least 30 days, or longer depending on the nature of the title, to give interested parties an opportunity to raise objections before the process is completed.

The revised guidelines are intended to improve transparency in the issuance of special certificates of land titles and protect legitimate landowners from fraudulent transactions and unlawful claims.

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