Land in Busoga rented for just Shs 40,000 a year

The loss of land productivity and indigenous seed varieties are among the major challenges facing farmers in Uganda, according to Dr Theresa Auma, executive director of the Land and Equity Movement in Uganda (LEMU).

Speaking at the launch of the national campaign “Keep Our Land, Keep Our Seed,” Dr. Auma highlighted how land sales, poor agricultural practices, and economic pressures are eroding the country’s agricultural foundation.

LAND SALES AND LOSS OF PRODUCTIVITY

“Many Ugandans are selling their land at low prices due to poverty, often to buy boda-bodas. These boda-bodas are later stolen or involved in accidents, leaving families without both income and land,” Auma explained.

In regions such as Busoga, the land is rented out cheaply, often for as little as Shs 200,000 for five years, during which the landowners lose access and control, further diminishing food production.

“Most of the boda-bodas you see on the roads are plots of land sold. People have moved away from farming because land productivity has declined, reducing the variety of food crops they can grow to sell,” she added.

This highlights a grim crisis and reality in the eastern sub-region. It means land is rented at Shs 40,000 a year, which leaves farmers powerless and unproductive.

CAMPAIGN FOR LAND AND SEED PRESERVATION

The campaign, launched to address these challenges, advocates for the retention of land and indigenous seeds. It emphasizes establishing seed banks at the parish level to preserve local plant varieties, such as vegetables, fruits and bananas, which are increasingly disappearing.

“These seed banks will be accessible at the village level, ensuring farmers can plant diverse crops critical for nutrition and resilience against food shortages,” Auma said.

The initiative also calls for action to empower landowners to resist pressures, leading to land loss, such as unfair rental agreements, land evictions, and sales driven by economic hardships. The campaign aims to help farming communities retain their land and control food systems to bolster resilience against climate-induced socioeconomic crises.

THE IMPACT OF LAND GRABBING

Preliminary studies conducted by LEMU in Busoga, Teso, Kumam, Lango and Karamoja reveal that land grabbing is widespread and takes various forms. Dr Auma urged civil society organizations (CSOs) to prioritize women’s land rights, sensitize communities on proper land use, and advocate for planting and preserving local food varieties.

“Farming communities are losing their power over food production due to the decline of local food and seed varieties,” she noted. “LEMU considers the retention of land and control over food systems as key pillars for sustainable development.”

ADVOCATING FOR INDIGENOUS PRACTICES

Experts from various civil society organizations have urged a rethinking of approaches to women’s land rights, indigenous agricultural practices and biodiversity preservation.

Speaking during a recent forum on land and seed retention, advocates emphasized the importance of empowering communities, supporting cultural institutions, and preserving local agricultural knowledge.

Brian Womboka, programme manager for Food Alliance, encouraged communities to be selective in adopting modern agricultural practices and focus on protecting indigenous seeds and animal breeds known for their nutritional value.

Muhammed Lunyago, a nutrition programme fellow at Makerere University, urged farming communities to share knowledge on preserving indigenous seeds and animal varieties. Jimmy Ochom, land rights coordinator at Oxfam Uganda, called on the government to regulate the land market and protect rural populations’ ability to retain land for food production.

He also advocated for partnerships with local knowledge groups to build seed banks for indigenous seed preservation. Ritah Kemigisa, advocacy and communication associate at Uganda Community-Based Association for Women and Children Welfare (UCOBAC), called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to reevaluate the discourse surrounding patriarchy, widows and women’s land rights.

“Strengthen the capacity of cultural institutions to equitably deliver justice. Communities need to be sensitized on critical issues such as land retention, proper land management, preservation of local seeds and foods, and alternatives to land fragmentation,” Kemigisa stated.

Freda Orochi, head of programmes at the Food Rights Alliance (FRA), urged government and CSOs to advocate for policies that value indigenous breeds as vital components of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Stella Akutui, women’s land rights advocate at LANDnet Uganda, encouraged farmers and pastoralists to approach modern agricultural practices cautiously and prioritize reviving traditional methods.