Mutumba Women Group score big after National Land Commission’s admission over disputed Lang'ata land

A protracted land ownership dispute involving the Wilson Mutumba Women Group and the National Police Service took a significant turn on Tuesday, after the National Land Commission (NLC) confirmed that a controversial piece of land was legally registered to the women’s group.

The revelation was made during a session of the Departmental Committee on Lands at Parliament Buildings, where key government officials were expected to shed light on the matter.

Documents from the Director of Survey indicated to the committee that no claim from the police could be traced in the official records.

“The title registered as LR No. 209/14582 is clearly and verifiably registered under the Wilson Mutumba Women Group,” the director stated.

Further scrutiny revealed that the title deeds the police have previously cited—LR No. 209/10610—was extinguished in 1988.

Records show that the parcel was legally subdivided, giving rise to two new titles: LR No. 209/14582 and LR No. 209/11418.

The housing units currently at the centre of the controversy were built through donor funding channelled via the government.

The construction, carried out by a contractor identified as Mr. Mugoya, was intended to support the resettlement of the Wilson Mutumba Women Group, a community initiative aimed at empowering women through secure land tenure and livelihood development.

Curiously, despite the involvement of public agencies, no government department has been able to produce any budgetary records for the construction.

“We have no documentation to show any official budgetary allocation by the government for this project,” a senior official from the Ministry of Lands admitted, raising further questions about accountability and transparency in public land dealings.

In a move aimed at fostering dialogue and avoiding protracted litigation, the Wilson Mutumba Women Group has expressed willingness to embrace a "win-win" resolution.

Representatives of the group told the committee that they are open to negotiations where the police may retain the already developed housing units on the land—on condition that the group is duly compensated. In turn, the group would retain the undeveloped portion of the land for future use.

“This land is the foundation of our community’s economic and social empowerment,” said one representative.

“We are not opposed to a peaceful settlement, but justice must be done.”

The Departmental Committee on Lands is expected to issue a formal recommendation in the coming weeks, following further engagement with the Lands Ministry and the National Police Service.

Observers say the case underscores the importance of accurate land documentation and inter-agency coordination in addressing historical land injustices, particularly those affecting vulnerable groups such as women-led community organisations.

The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent in how government institutions handle land claims involving civil society groups, especially in urban areas where land values continue to soar.