Norbert Mao, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister has warned newly elected LCV chairpersons in the Acholi Sub-region that poor appointments to District Land Boards could worsen land conflicts and fuel corruption. 

Mao urges the leaders to prioritise integrity and competence when selecting members of the boards, saying political loyalty should not override merit. 

Mao says local leaders cannot continue blaming land grabbing while influencing the appointment of incompetent or compromised land board officials. 

He cautions that such decisions directly undermine land governance in a region where ownership disputes remain sensitive.

District Land Boards play a central role in managing public land and overseeing allocation and registration at the district level.

However, government officials — including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja — have previously blamed some boards for contributing to land conflicts. 

Mao stresses that restoring credibility in land administration begins with appointing qualified individuals rather than rewarding political allies.

According to data from Operation Wealth Creation, over 93 percent of land in the Acholi Sub-region remains under customary tenure, with only 21.5 percent formally registered.

By URN