100 marginalised women secure land titles in Entebbe

What you need to know:
- Mr Mugabi emphasised that the organisation remains committed to advocating for policy reforms and supporting women's land rights across Uganda
The "Obwananyini kutaka" project, a women's land rights advocacy initiative, has successfully empowered 100 marginalised women, including widows, to secure land titles in Entebbe, Uganda.
This milestone marks the end of the project's first phase, which aimed to benefit 1,000 women.
Ms Geraldine Nalule, a widow who secured her land, expressed her gratitude, saying, "This is a dream come true. I can now plan for my future, invest in my land, and provide for my family without fear of being displaced."
Nalule's story is a testament to the project's impact, as she was able to secure her land from relatives who believed that a woman should not own land.
Project Coordinator John Mugabi attributed the project's success to the tireless efforts of the advocacy organisation, which worked to promote women's land rights and challenge discriminatory laws and customs.
"We have empowered women to assert their rights and challenge the status quo," Mugabi said. "Through a combination of community outreach, education, and advocacy, we have been able to make a significant impact in the lives of these women."
The project's impact extends beyond securing land titles, as it has also sent a powerful message about the importance of women's land rights in achieving gender equality and economic development.
Mr Mugabi emphasised that the organisation remains committed to advocating for policy reforms and supporting women's land rights across Uganda.
"As the organisation looks to the future, it is clear that this achievement is not just a victory for women's land rights but also a testament to the power of advocacy, community mobilization, and the unwavering dedication of individuals and organizations committed to creating a more just and equitable society," Mugabi said.
The project's success is also attributed to its partnership with local government, civil society, and organizations like Action for Liberty and Economic Development.
The project aims to achieve legal recognition of over 1,000 individuals living in 234 households in Entebbe, with a goal of ensuring that 60 per cent of registered land is secure and held by women.
Mugabi appreciated the support of Action for Liberty and Economic Development, which has worked relentlessly to promote women's land rights and challenge discriminatory laws and customs.
"We are grateful for the partnership and support of Action for Liberty and Economic Development, which has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals," Mugabi said.
The "Obwananyini kutaka" project is built on an existing partnership between Action for Liberty and Economic Development, Area Land Committee, Buganda Kingdom, and Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
The project delivers a model to secure land rights through access to land title registration, mapping, data collection, training, and capacity building of stakeholders.
As the project moves forward, Mugabi emphasized the importance of continued advocacy and support for women's land rights.
"We must continue to push for policy reforms and support women's land rights across Uganda," Mugabi said. "This is a critical step towards achieving gender equality and economic development."