RUBANDA, UGANDA – The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Friedrieke Quispel, has launched the issuance of customary land ownership certificates in Rubanda District.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The initiative is part of the Agriculture Governance Results Improvement (AGRIP) project, which aims to assist smallholder farmers in securing their land rights.
The AGRIP project is being implemented by Cordaid Uganda, an international development organization focused on resilience, investments, and humanitarian aid in sectors such as health, agri-food systems, education, and climate resilience.
Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the project spans 16 districts across Uganda’s Rwenzori, Busoga, Elgon, Lango, and Kigezi regions, focusing on land tenure security, food security, governance, and food regulation.
While speaking at the ceremony held at Muko Sub-County Offices in Rubanda, H.E. Friedreike Quisple, who had earlier toured the district to monitor project progress, expressed her admiration for the dedication of small holder farmers involved in agriculture in Rubanda.
She called for increased government support, particularly in the provision of equipment and technology, stating that these resources are essential for farmers to transition from subsistence to commercially viable and climate-resilient agriculture.
“I was deeply impressed to see the farmers using their hands to build terraces to protect their gardens from erosion. I am also pleased to learn that they are receiving support from the government. Please continue supporting them because they need it,” she said.
CUE IN: AMBASSADOR FRIEDREIKE ON RUBANDA FARMERS
Rubanda District LC.5 Chairperson, Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba, thanked the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Cordaid for selecting Rubanda District among the 16 districts benefiting from the AGRIP project.
Kasyaba emphasized that land ownership certificates for smallholder farmers would help secure their land from land grabbers, add value, and prevent conflicts over land rights.
He noted that the project would significantly assist vulnerable residents, especially widows, who are often targeted by land grabbers.
“Usually, when husbands pass away, these widows become vulnerable to land grabbers, often relatives seeking to take their property due to the absence of the husbands,” he explained.
CUE IN: KASYABA ON LAND TITLES
Kasyaba also highlighted other ongoing projects in Rubanda District funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including the 13.4 km Ikumba-Ndeego-Kashaasha-Nshanjare road, which is being financed through the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC).
The district local government is contributing 50% of the funds.In the first phase, 100 land certificates were issued to residents across seven sub-counties, including Muko, Bubare, Hamurwa, Ruhiija, Nyamweru, Budundi, and Ikumba. Officials estimate that approximately 40,000 people will benefit from the entire AGRIP project.
Mr. David Nanfumba, Kigezi Regional Manager for Cordaid, explained that the organization is collaborating with relevant government offices, including the Office of the President and local government authorities, to implement the AGRIP project.
He emphasized that the project operates through district local governments, making their involvement crucial for successful implementation.
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