n a move aimed at protecting the integrity of Uganda’s land sector during the politically charged election season, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has temporarily barred campaigning Local Council I (LC1) chairpersons from any involvement in land transactions.
The Ministry issued a strongly worded public notice on July 16, 2026, directing all LC1 chairpersons who are actively contesting in the ongoing elections to immediately refrain from participating in, witnessing, endorsing, recommending, or overseeing any land-related matters until the electoral process is fully concluded.
LC1 chairpersons, who serve as the grassroots administrative leaders in villages across the country, traditionally play a key role in local land affairs. Their responsibilities often include witnessing land sales and agreements, verifying boundaries, and providing recommendations on ownership disputes. However, the Ministry fears that the intense campaign period could compromise the neutrality and credibility of these processes.
“The directive is a precautionary measure designed to safeguard the integrity of land transactions during the election period and to minimize the risk of disputes, fraud, and other irregularities,” the notice stated.
The Ministry explicitly cautioned members of the public against relying on campaigning LC1 chairpersons for any land-related services. This includes: Buying or selling land, Witnessing or endorsing land agreements, Handling boundary demarcation and related disputes, Verifying land ownership documents and any other transaction that requires the input of local administrative authorities
“Members of the public are therefore advised to avoid relying on campaigning LC1 Chairpersons for matters relating to land transactions,” the Ministry warned.
For individuals with urgent land needs, the Ministry has recommended seeking professional assistance from qualified legal practitioners, registered land surveyors, or other lawful and accredited channels that do not involve active political candidates at the LC1 level.
The notice comes at a critical moment, as campaigns for the LC1 elections are reaching their climax. Candidates are intensifying efforts to mobilize voters ahead of the polls, raising concerns that some might exploit their official positions to gain electoral advantage or that disgruntled parties could challenge transactions later on political grounds.
Land issues remain among the most sensitive and conflict-prone matters in Uganda, often leading to lengthy court battles, evictions, and even violence in both rural and urban areas. By insulating these transactions from active political players at the village level, the Ministry hopes to reduce the potential for manipulation or perceptions of bias that could erode public trust.
The Ministry urged citizens to exercise patience during this period, emphasizing that the temporary restriction is in the long-term interest of all parties.
“The precaution will help prevent costly mistakes and protect the interests of buyers, sellers, and other stakeholders involved in land transactions,” the statement added.
The Ministry further thanked the public for their anticipated cooperation and called on citizens to remain vigilant when handling land matters during the election period.
“Any land transaction conducted outside the stipulated guidelines may face future legal challenges,” officials noted indirectly in the notice.
This intervention is seen by observers as part of broader efforts by government institutions to maintain administrative neutrality during the election cycle. Similar directives have been issued in previous election periods to shield other public services from political influence.
As polling day approaches, stakeholders in the land sector have welcomed the move, with some legal experts describing it as a timely safeguard against potential post-election disputes.
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