Senior Presidential Advisor Hajjat Hadija Namyalo has strongly criticized the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development over what she described as unfair land policies that continue to disadvantage ordinary Ugandans. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the NRM leaders’ retreat in Ngoma, Nakaseke, Namyalo emphasized that land remains the most critical asset for survival among low-income earners, many of whom depend on small plots to build homes and sustain their families.
She specifically raised concern about the ongoing enforcement and interpretation of land regulations that restrict ownership of smaller plots, commonly referred to as “25 feet” plots. Under existing guidelines, the Ministry requires a minimum land size of about 50×100 feet (12.5 decimals) for issuance of a land title, making it difficult for buyers of smaller plots to secure legal ownership. Namyalo argued that such policies ignore the economic realities of many Ugandans who can only afford smaller portions of land through gradual savings from informal businesses like vending.
According to Namyalo, displacing or denying ownership rights to people who have invested in these smaller plots is not only unjust but also politically risky. She noted that the majority of these individuals form a significant voting base, especially in urban and peri-urban areas, and should not be excluded from land ownership due to rigid policies. She urged Members of Parliament and ministers to consider the plight of the poor when amending land laws, stressing that policy decisions must reflect inclusivity and social protection.
In response to these concerns, Namyalo revealed her intention to petition President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to review the land policies and ensure they favor ordinary citizens. She called for reforms that will protect vulnerable Ugandans from exploitation and possible evictions, while aligning land governance with the realities of a growing population and increasing demand for affordable housing.
