By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Party has called on the government to allocate land to the public to empower citizens, particularly in agriculture, as a means of improving livelihoods and boosting economic development.
The call follows Uganda’s hosting of the extraordinary summit on the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) from January 9-11, 2025, in Kampala. The summit, themed “Building Resilient Agric-food Systems in Africa,” emphasized food security, rural poverty reduction, employment creation, and environmental sustainability.
However, the UPC argues that the successful implementation of the CAADP’s objectives requires more than just hosting summits; it demands actionable policies and a shift in priorities. Arach Oyat Sharon, the party’s spokesperson, pointed out that the lack of political will, combined with systemic challenges such as weak land tenure systems and land grabbing, undermines the country’s agricultural potential.
“Ugandans across the country have heavily depended on agriculture, both for subsistence and commercial purposes, yet many are unable to access the land needed to sustain their families or expand their operations,” said Oyat. She highlighted how land grabbing—driven by weak land tenure laws, corruption, and large-scale corporate acquisitions—has left many people, especially widows and children, vulnerable.
Oyat emphasized that land is the primary asset for most rural Ugandans, and the lack of secure land rights has exacerbated poverty, particularly in rural areas. The ongoing rise in food prices and child mortality from malnutrition is, according to the UPC, directly linked to the insecurity surrounding land ownership.
“The issue of land has greatly contributed to the increased poverty rate, especially in rural areas, as land is, in most cases, the only asset most people in rural and urban areas have,” Oyat explained. She urged the government to prioritize land policy reforms that protect the rights of vulnerable populations and ensure that land is used effectively to fight poverty.
In addition, Oyat pointed out that despite numerous government programs aimed at poverty alleviation through agriculture, the lack of land accessibility for many Ugandans remains a key barrier to success. “This shows a laxity in the government’s approach. As UPC, we have long advocated for the allocation of land to the public, particularly for agricultural use, to enable people to improve their lives and contribute to national development,” she concluded.
