Archbishop Kaziimba decries church land grabbing

Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba has castigated the manner in which communities have grabbed church land, an act he said has hindered development of church projects across the country.

“You should note that projects have been done on church land and the donors implement them for the community but after sometime, the community turn against us to claim ownership of the land,”  Archbishop Kaziimba said.

He made the outcry after signing a memorandum of understanding with Rotary and the Institute for Rural Education and Development (IREAD) for establishment of early childhood development centres on church land across the country.

Ms May Virji signed on behalf of IREAD while Mr Fredrick Kitakule, the president-elect of Rotary Club of Kampala Day Break, signed on behalf of Rotary.

“This (project) is part of what we are doing. We just need re-enforcement of this work together because our mission is to proclaim the gospel in accordance with Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations,”  Archbishop Kaziimba said.

His cry comes at a time when  the church is embroiled in protracted land disputes.
 He also called for community participation to sustain the projects for future generations.

Mr Kitakule said the construction of the facilities is meant for sustainability through local mobilisation and sensitisation.

“Today, basic education has brought us here and we have partnered with IREAD to construct early childhood development centres. We realised that it would be better to formalise this partnership to succeed in this dream and see a better Uganda,” he said.

Mr Kitakule said they have since identified and visited three sites on church land, including Kamuli at Kamuli Girls’ School, Kijjabweme in Masaka District and Kakumiro at Kyabasaija.

Mr Kitakule said the partners have to convince the community to appreciate the project  and embrace it.
 

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