THE government has issued 762 Certificates of Customary Rights of Occupancy (CCROs) to residents of Ikungi District in Singida Region, aimed at reducing land disputes and empower women by addressing patriarchal barriers to land ownership.

The certificates were handed over by Minister for Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Deogratius Ndejembi,who emphasised their role in legally defining land boundaries and promoting economic stabilities.

“When people hear about the Ministry of Lands, they often associate it with disputes. Our mission is to ensure people live peacefully on their land,” he said.

Ndejembi pledged government efforts to secure funding for wider issuance of land ownership documents, viewing it as key to resolving land conflicts nationwide.

“We are going to survey all villages to implement proper land-use planning. We aim to change the perception of the ministry which synonymous with disputes,” he added.

Ikungi District Commissioner Thomas Apson highlighted limited understanding of land laws as a major challenge contributing to conflicts and urged leaders to avoid exercabating land disputes.

“The issuance of these certificates addresses such conflicts. We thank the ministry for providing supportive infrastructure aligned with land-use plans,” he said.

Justice Kijazi, Executive Director of Ikungi District Council, noted that cultural practices in the district often deny women land ownership rights.

“By 2020, only 5 percent of land in Ikungi District was owned by women,” he said.

Kijazi reported that 12 villages, including Kipumbwiko, Wibia, Puma, Samaka and Matongo, have benefited from   land-use project supporting proper planning and resource allocation.