Dynamics of land conflicts in Uganda : a case study of SSI sub-county in Buikwe District

Abstract

Buikwe District's rapid urbanization, population boom, and rampant corruption fueled by "untouchable" officials have created a perfect storm for escalating land conflicts. A research examining the dynamics of land conflicts in Uganda: a case study of SSI Sub County in Buikwe District was carried out. This study was a Multi-method research involving KIIs, open ended questionnaire surveys, and Focus Group Discussions which revealed a complex interplay of factors driving this crisis. The study was guided by three specific objectives of establishing the factors leading to an increase in land conflicts in the Ssi Sub County in the Buikwe district; stating interventions that have been put in place by the government of Uganda in line with stopping land conflicts and identifying the challenges that have hindered Policing of land conflicts in Ssi Sub County in Buikwe District. Findings suggest that the increase in the land conflicts is brought about by rapid development of the area (90.0%), Population growth (86.7%), Family disputes (60.0%), Illiteracy rates in the community (78.3%), Corruption of authorities (86.7%) and the poor land tenure system (79.6%). Additionally, the respondents said that the government has done something that is to say sensitization of the people (91.7%), strengthening local councils in parishes and villages (83.37%), increasing facilitation of the Police (76.7%), and refresher training for Police Officers (70%), among other interventions. According to the respondents, these have been hindered by the still existing challenges such as insecurity of the tenure (95.0%), threatening of Police Officers (68.3%), corruption (96.7%), the political sensitivity of land conflicts (73.3%), forgery of the land titles (63.3%), lack of professional training (70.0%), insufficient investigation (75.0%), weak judiciary (86.7%), urging interventions like sustainable development strategies, anti-corruption measures, and community-driven solutions to ensure land security and social justice. The study therefore recommends that the law governing the institutions of land governance, particularly the ULC and DLBs should to be revamped to provide enhanced independence, freedom of operation, and improved accountability.