Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development , Ms. Judith Nalule Nabakooba has reiterated that the citizens of the IGAD region should have land security to increase production and ensure prosperity .
Nabakooba’s remarks followed an agreement by the various ministers responsible for land matters in the IGAD region to increase collaboration to ensure harmonious living and productive utilization of land in the member states .
“We have shown that we can co-exist, work together and build on most of the transboundary issues that would otherwise cause challenges to regional transformation. Our purpose should always aim at achieving a shared sustainable development with no ‘U turns’ being made amongst IGAD member states,” Nabakooba stressed.
Nabakooba was speaking at a dinner in honour of the regional and international delegates that have been attending a week long Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) sectoral ministerial meeting on land and conflict held at Speke resort Munyonyo in Uganda’s capital -Kampala.
Nabakooba having a light moment with one of the delegates
“What we have achieved since 24th October, 2022 up to today has set a foundation that will significantly strengthen our longer-term engagements and contribute to developing the full range of capabilities necessary to maintain a robust, credible and sustainable IGAD family,” the minister noted . She added that by working together on land, conflict and access to justice issues -the IGAD member states will bolster their capacity to respond to any natural resources related threat to the region.
Nakabooba also used the occasion to pay tribute to her predecessors in the lands docket and vowed to increase the percentage of women owning land in Uganda .
“As the 18th Minister for Lands in Uganda since independence, and the 3rd woman Minister responsible for Lands in Uganda, after Hon Betty Amongi and Hon Beti Kamya, I want to commit that my tenure in office shall strive to ensure that the NRM government achieves an increase in the percentage of registered women land owners from 20% to 40% by 2030 as pledged under the Kilimanjaro Charter of Demands to actualize women’s land rights in Africa.” She said.
Nabakooba thanked President Yoweri Museveni and the Vice President Jessica Alupo who opened the conference on behalf of her boss- for the political direction in ensuring the IGAD countries transform into a strong safe and secure economic block.
