By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Experts in Geomatics and Land Administration from across the world have converged at Makerere University for the Joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference from July 31 to August 1, 2025, showcasing cutting-edge research presentations and engaging discussions.
This historic collaboration marks the first time these two conferences are being held together, providing a unique platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange. Centered around the theme “Geo-Enablement for Sustainable Development,” the Conference highlights the importance of spatial data in tackling global challenges and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Presiding over as the Chief Guest, Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba emphasized the critical importance of effective land management in driving sustainable development, investment, and national peace thereby highlighting the need to address long-standing challenges of land tenure insecurity, outdated spatial data systems, and weak coordination across institutions.
Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development.
She noted that only 30% of land in Uganda is titled, and called for innovative solutions to scale land registration, survey and reaffirm international borders, and develop a robust national spatial data infrastructure.
The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and industry partners to achieve meaningful progress, and stressed the role of geospatial technologies and smart land management systems in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.
Oh his part, the Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, represented by Professor Robert Wamala underscored the pivotal role of geospatial technologies and sound land administration systems in fostering sustainable development, particularly in the face of rapid urbanization, climate change, and escalating land use demands.
He emphasized that accurate and reliable spatial data is the foundation for effective planning, environmental management, disaster preparedness, infrastructure development, and land governance. The Vice Chancellor highlighted the transformative potential of technological advancements in geomatics and land administration, from geographical information systems and remote sensing to drones and artificial intelligence, in improving decision-making, strengthening land tenure systems, and supporting national and regional development priorities.
“Makerere University is committed to advancing knowledge, research, and innovation that addresses national and regional development challenges, with a focus on sustainable urbanization and housing, urban land governance, infrastructure development, and affordable housing,” he stated.
He encouraged participants to leverage the platform to forge lasting collaborations, translate academic innovations into practical solutions, shape policies, and strengthen institutional capacities, ultimately contributing to resilient and equitable societies.
In his remarks, Professor Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology at Makerere University, (CEDAT) cited critical challenge of land administration in Eastern Africa, where a significant portion of land remains unregistered and underutilized, noting, it has far-reaching consequences, including widespread poverty, hunger, and unsustainable land use practices.
Professor Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology at Makerere University, (CEDAT).
To address this pressing issue, Prof. Musinguzi emphasized the imperative of innovation in land administration, specifically the adoption of low-cost technologies to ensure security of tenure for all landholders.
He noted, by leveraging these innovations, land can be utilized sustainably, unlocking its productive potential and contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.
The Chair AGRC and EALAN 2024-2025, who is also the Head Department of Geomatics and Land Management at Makerere University, Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo Ndandiko noted, “As geospatial professionals, researchers, educators and practitioners, our responsibility is not only limited to innovation, but also to ensure that our innovations support the sustainable development goals. This we do through improved land governance, established in smart cities, resilience in the face of climate change.”
She expressed gratitude to partners including Makerere University, GIZ, UN Habitat, Subnet, Electricity Regulatory Authority, STI, the RCMRD, the Land Portal, Catalyst, ISU and other for cooperation that saw the event successful.
The Conference featured a keynote address from Dr. Upendo Matotola, Director of Real Estate in Tanzania’s Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, emphasized the importance of innovative land administration in driving economic transformation and social equity.
“Land administration is crucial for sustainable development, poverty reduction, and economic growth, as it provides a foundation for peace, security, and investments. However, Tanzania’s land administration systems face challenges such as outdated methods, limited access to land information, and weak institutional coordination,” she revealed.
To address these challenges, Dr. Matotola stressed the need for innovation in land administration, including rethinking systems, building partnerships, and using technology smartly. “Tanzania has made efforts to computerize land information and improve land delivery services, starting with the Land Rent Management System and Management of Land Information System. The country has also developed an Integrated Land Management Information System, integrating all land delivery processes, reducing costs, and speeding up land titling,” Dr. Matotola stated.
In the other Keynote, Dr. Timothy Dube, a Professor of Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation clarified that, Africa’s land management challenges are reaching a critical juncture, driven by the triple threat of population growth, climate variability, and climate change. “The continent’s rapid urbanization is resulting in the proliferation of informal settlements and unplanned infrastructure development, posing significant environmental and health risks,” he noted.
Dr. Edube emphasizes the importance of leveraging Earth observation data and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to better understand these challenges and develop early warning systems to mitigate their impacts.
He stresses the need for research-informed policy and decision-making to address the pressing issues of land degradation, pollution, and water resource management. As the sustainable development goals (SDGs) approach their deadline, Dr. Edube points out the urgency of prioritizing land and water resilience to ensure a sustainable future for Africa, highlighting the critical role that effective land management plays in maintaining ecosystem health, supporting livelihoods, and promoting human well-being.
AGRC was started in 2011 and it’s a conference run by the Department of Germanics at Makerere University. EALAN on the other hand was established in 2006 and it’s a growing network of universities. Makerere holds the EALAN chairmanship for this year.
Makerere University Vice-Chancellor represented by Professor Robert Wamala, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Arts and Technology, (CEDAT) Professor Moses Musinguzi, Dean, of the built environment, Dr. Anthony Gidudu, the head of department and chair of the Conference, Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo Ndandiko Mazzi. The conference also featured five keynote Speakers for this conference, Professor Yapp from the Netherlands, Dr. Upendo Matotola from Tanzania, Professor Timothy Dube from South Africa, Dr. Pamela from the Netherlands and Dr. Mr. Simon Peter Montague from UN Habitat.
As well, all members of Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda were also available.
