Makerere University, through its College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), hosted the inaugural joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference 2025. The event brought together academics, land professionals, and policymakers. They deliberated on the future of land governance in Africa. Makerere hosted the conference in its capacity as the current Chair of EALAN.
Regional Participation from Across Eastern Africa
Delegates from more than five African countries—Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and South Sudan—attended the conference. It opened on July 31 and concludes on August 1. Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba Nalule, officially opened the event. She commended CEDAT’s Department of Geomatics and Land Management for successfully organizing and hosting the conference.
Minister Highlights Land Governance as Foundation for Development
Hon. Nabakooba emphasized the relevance of the conference theme, Geo-Enablement for Sustainable Development: Harnessing Innovation in Geomatics and Land Administration, noting that it speaks directly to national development priorities.
“Indeed, sustainable development fundamentally depends on effective land management and efficient geospatial data collection,” she stated.
She stressed the importance of accurate data in guiding policy decisions. She reaffirmed the government’s recognition of land as a critical economic asset.
“This is precisely why we have prioritized the ongoing reforms in Uganda’s land administration systems,” she added. The reforms include the expansion of the Land Information System to strengthen the land registration services. We are also now focusing on further enhancing our systems through cutting-edge blockchain technology. This aims to ensure transparency, security, and efficiency in land governance.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector. She underscored the role of research in shaping sound policy.
“Research is crucial for generating evidence to inform policy and that universities play a vital role in training professionals,” she said.
She further urged scientists to act as agents of change by developing practical solutions to persistent land challenges.
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Conference Theme Aligns with Makerere’s Research Agenda
Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Robert Wamala noted that the conference theme closely aligns with Makerere University’s revised research agenda for 2025–2030. This agenda prioritizes sustainable urbanization and housing.
He cited key challenges such as rapid population growth, informal settlements, housing shortages, and environmental sustainability. He explained that the university continues to address these issues through targeted research.
“Makerere University is conducting research on urban land governance, spatial planning, infrastructure development, and affordable housing models,” he said. The research also involves the integration of innovative geospatial technologies. These are used for managing urban growth.
Prof. Wamala explained that these efforts aim to support evidence-based policymaking and promote inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vision 2040, and other national frameworks.
Call for Collaboration and Practical Impact
Prof. Wamala encouraged participants to use the conference as a platform. It should serve for sharing knowledge and building partnerships capable of translating academic research into real-world solutions.
“The conversations and partnerships that emerge from this conference should help us shape policies, help us strengthen institutional capacities, but also to expand opportunities. These opportunities include technological transformation and entrepreneurship in the field of geomatics and land administration,” he said.
He also commended the organizing committee led by Prof. Gidudu Anthony, as well as partners and sponsors including GIZ, UN Habitat, and CEDAT, for their commitment and support.
Keynote Address Calls for Innovation and Inclusive Reforms
In her keynote address, Dr. Upendo Matotola, Director of Real Estate at Tanzania’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, underscored the urgent need to finance innovation in land administration across East Africa.
She described land as more than a production resource. Noting its role in identity, heritage, and power. Dr. Upendo called for a broader transformation of land governance. She emphasized that innovation must go beyond technology to include inclusive policies, empowered communities, and stronger institutional coordination.
She highlighted challenges such as outdated paper-based records, limited access to land information, and conflicting legal frameworks, warning that failure to act would continue to undermine peace, development, and investment. Drawing from Tanzania’s experience, she advocated for harmonized, citizen-centered reforms to create more efficient and equitable land systems.
Global Experts Share Insights on Land Administration
The conference, held at Kabira Country Club, also featured keynote presentations from Prof. Jaap Zevenbergen (University of Twente, Netherlands), Prof. Timothy Dube (University of Western Cape, South Africa), Dr. Pamela Duran-Diaz (Netherlands), and Mr. Simon Peter Mwesigye (UN Habitat).
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Pre-Conference Workshops Emphasize Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration
Ahead of the official opening, participants took part in pre-conference seminars and workshops, including a session on Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA). Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe officially closed the workshop. He urged universities to play a more proactive role in advising government on land management policy.
“We as universities must study these issues and come up with solutions,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
He encouraged researchers to actively engage policymakers with actionable recommendations. He thanked the Government of Uganda for supporting research initiatives. Moreover, he praised the Department of Geomatics and Land Management at CEDAT for its contribution to improved land use and planning. Finally, he urged the team to sustain its momentum.
The FFPLA workshop, which began on Monday, July 28, was officially opened by Mr. Joseph Sembatya, Commissioner for Land Administration at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
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