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Land Tenure System: A Challenge for Urban Development and Service Delivery in GKMA

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5 years ago

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A group photo of participants at the Public Dialogue on the Land Tenure System and Urban Development in GKMA organised by the Department of Geomatics and Land Management, CEDAT, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
A group photo of participants at the Public Dialogue on the Land Tenure System and Urban Development in GKMA organised by the Department of Geomatics and Land Management, CEDAT, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

The opening remarks were given by Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo who represented Professor Moses Musinguzi, the Dean School of the Built Environment, Makerere University. Dr. Mazzi Kayondo is the Chair, Department of Geomatics and Land Management, a senior lecturer and a Geographical Information System (GIS) specialist. She welcomed the participants and appreciated them for making it for the dialogue.

Dr. Kayondo also acknowledged her Department’s influence in training and churning out planners to both private and government organisations. 60% of the urban development in Kampala is informal and land tenure is one of the key factors affecting it. “Tenure of land defines the relationship of how rights are accessed and how to influence development,” she said.

Ms. Amanda Ngabirano, the Acting Chair National Physical Planning Board and also a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University was the guest speaker at the public dialogue. In her presentation she referred to the land tenure system as a ‘white elephant’. “We are stuck with it” she emphasized. She said that land tenure system is the reason why planners are not delivering. Ms Ngabirano also added that urban development is not only glamorous but is about balanced growth, that is to say equity and distribution of services and amenities.

Ms. Ngabirano emphasised the fact that land tenure is bigger than we can imagine. She called upon the participants to identify and open discussions with people on the land, identify areas with partnerships and opportunities and be able to work with them. Ms. Ngabirano said funding and compensation were also affecting development. She, however, pointed out that the land tenure system may not be the only thing affecting development. She challenged participants to identify all the factors and find solutions to them.

To further address the theme , the panel comprised of urban development experts, specialists and researchers such as Mrs. Rehema Nanvuma an urban planner currently working with the Buganda Land Board, Mr. Samuel  Mabala, a representative from Cities Alliance and  a senior urban development expert, Ms. Anitah Kusiima, a physical planner working with KCCA and Dr. Fredrick Omolo Okalebo, an urban planner and researcher at Makerere University shared their thoughts.

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Mark Wamai

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Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT’s OSHE Project Team Meet OSH Officials at Ministry of Gender to Strengthen National Safety Policies

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7 days ago

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November 28, 2025

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Makerere University’s School of Engineering has taken a bold step toward reshaping national safety standards. On November 21, 2025, a team spearheading the project to advance Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) knowledge and skills paid a strategic visit to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, laying the foundation for stronger national frameworks in workplace safety and sustainability.

 The engagement, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, marked a pivotal effort to align academic expertise with government policy and industrial practice. The initiative represents a significant moment in bridging academic research, industrial realities, and government priorities, setting the stage for stronger national frameworks that safeguard workers and promote sustainable development.

By Kikomeko Pius & Harriet Musinguzi

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs Conducts Stakeholder Consultation on Defense Research and Development Policy at Makerere University

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7 days ago

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November 28, 2025

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On November 26th, 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) held a stakeholder consultation at Makerere University as part of the ongoing development of Uganda’s Defence Research and Development Policy. Hosted at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), the meeting brought together defense officials, academics, and subject-matter experts to align national security priorities with advanced research and innovation.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), chaired the meeting on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The engagement was convened to gather expert input in shaping Uganda’s Defense Research and Development Policy. According to MODVA, the consultation sought to strengthen partnerships between the ministry and Makerere University in advancing defense-related research. It also aimed to harness science, technology, and innovation to modernize Uganda’s defense capabilities, identify opportunities for training and knowledge exchange, and harmonize defense research initiatives with the country’s broader national security and development goals.

Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principal Communication Officer, CEDAT

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Erasmus Exchange Prof.’s Mak Photo wins Poland National Prize

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2 weeks ago

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November 24, 2025

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Dr. Tomasz Padło (Right) with the Dean Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art (MTSIFA) Assoc. Prof. Amanda Tumusiime (Centre) and the International Relations Office's Ms. Betty Nabisubi (Left). Dr. Tomasz Padło, Erasmus Exchange Professor from UKEN, Poland won first prize in the prestigious Grand Press Photo 2025 competition in the Culture – Single category for a photo he took at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa during his exchange visit.

Dr. Tomasz Padło, an Erasmus Exchange Professor from the Institute of Painting and Artistic Education UKEN, Poland won first prize in the prestigious Grand Press Photo 2025 competition in the Culture – Single category for a photo he took at Makerere University during his exchange visit.

Dr. Tomasz Padło, Erasmus Exchange Professor from UKEN, Poland won first prize in the prestigious Grand Press Photo 2025 competition in the Culture – Single category for a photo he took at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa during his exchange visit.
Dr. Tomasz Padło with students in class.

He says this about the photo taken in May 2025 at CCE Hall:

“The very idea of this photograph is due to the fact that this place is very overwhelmed. I was running away from this hustle and bustle and I saw a photographer who almost ritualized the unfolding of this background. When he sat down with the newspaper, I didn’t want to disturb him. I felt like this photographer – when it’s not about the effect, but about the process of ritualizing photography.”

Full story at this link
https://www.uken.krakow.pl/uniwersytet/aktualnosci/6764-fotografia-jako-rytual-dr-tomasz-padlo-nagrodzony-w-konkursie-grand-press-photo

Mak Editor

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