The High Court in Kampala has scheduled a hearing for December 14, 2026, to consider a challenge to Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba's directive suspending the processing and issuance of special certificates of title for three months. The case, filed by Deric Fredrick Namakaajo, will be heard at 11:30 am. Namakaajo's application seeks a judicial review of the directive issued on August 18, 2026.
Namakaajo argues that Nabakooba's directive is illegal, irrational, and outside her powers. He claims that the minister had no authority to direct the Commissioner for Land Registration to halt the issuance of special certificates of title or to suspend the operation of Section 69 of the Registration of Titles Act. The applicant contends that this action was done without express statutory authority or a lawful amendment to the law.
The hearing notice, issued on October 14, 2026, directs all parties to appear before the court on the scheduled date. The case names the Attorney General, Nabakooba, and the Commissioner for Land Registration as respondents. The court's decision will determine whether Nabakooba's directive was lawful and within her jurisdiction as Lands Minister.
The suspension of special certificates of title has raised concerns among landowners and stakeholders in Uganda. Special certificates of title are crucial for property transactions, and the suspension has caused delays and uncertainty in the land registration process. The court's ruling is expected to provide clarity on the minister's powers and the legality of the directive.
The case has been filed under the judicial review process, which allows the court to examine the legality of administrative actions. The High Court will review whether Nabakooba's directive was reasonable, lawful, and within her authority. The court's decision will have implications for land registration and ownership in Uganda.
The judicial review application is one of several cases that have been filed challenging government directives and actions in Uganda. The courts have played a crucial role in checking the powers of government officials and ensuring that they act within the law. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by stakeholders in the land sector.
The December 14 hearing is a critical step in resolving the dispute over Nabakooba's directive. The court's decision will determine whether the directive was lawful and whether it can be enforced. The case highlights the importance of the judiciary in protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that government actions are lawful and reasonable.
Key points
- The High Court will hear a case challenging Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba's directive suspending special certificates of title on December 14, 2026.
- The applicant, Deric Fredrick Namakaajo, argues that the directive is illegal and outside Nabakooba's powers.
- The court's decision will have implications for land registration and ownership in Uganda.
