The Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has urged churches and other religious institutions across Uganda to prioritise surveying and registering their land to protect it from encroachment and disputes.
Speaking during the national celebrations of the Women’s World Day of Prayer at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Kampala, Nabakooba said many religious institutions risk losing valuable land because they lack proper documentation and legal titles.
The global day of prayer, observed by Christian women in more than 150 countries, was this year led by Nigeria. In Uganda, the event was hosted by the Uganda Orthodox Church under the umbrella of the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), which brings together the Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Uganda.
Addressing the congregation, Nabakooba noted that the Ministry of Lands continues to receive numerous complaints involving church land being encroached upon or contested in courts due to incomplete or missing land records.
According to the minister, many churches historically received land through community donations or traditional leaders but never completed the legal processes required to secure land titles.
“This has left several church properties vulnerable to encroachers and opportunistic land grabbers who take advantage of the absence of proper land documentation,” Nabakooba said.
She emphasised that surveying and registering church land would provide legal protection and preserve properties that support essential community services such as schools, health facilities and places of worship.
“Proper land documentation safeguards the heritage of the church and ensures these assets continue serving communities for generations,” she added.
Nabakooba also highlighted the importance of the partnership between government and religious institutions in promoting social transformation, peace and unity.
She noted that the church has historically played a key role in education, healthcare and community development, making it an important partner in national development.
As part of this collaboration, the minister encouraged church leaders to mobilise their congregations to participate in government initiatives aimed at improving household incomes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The programme seeks to transition Ugandans from subsistence living to the money economy by supporting income-generating activities at the parish level.
“The church has a powerful influence within communities. By encouraging members to participate in the Parish Development Model, many families can access financial support, start small businesses and improve their livelihoods,” Nabakooba said.
During the event, the minister also acknowledged the challenges faced by many women in Uganda, including gender-based violence, economic hardship and limited access to opportunities.
She said the Women’s World Day of Prayer should inspire both spiritual reflection and practical efforts to address these issues.
“As we gather in prayer and reflection, we must also recognise the challenges that many women and families across our country continue to face. Faith should inspire action that promotes justice, peace and prosperity,” she said.
Nabakooba commended the Orthodox Church Mothers’ group for using the platform to highlight issues affecting women and mobilise support for empowerment initiatives.
She further urged believers to use the day as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and renewed commitment to serving communities.
Quoting the biblical message from Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” — the minister said the message resonates strongly with women who often carry significant responsibilities within families, workplaces and communities.
She called on Christians to translate the spirit of prayer into concrete actions that strengthen families and contribute to building a more just, peaceful and prosperous Uganda.
