Safeguarding Customary Land Ownership: Uganda’s Progress and Commitment
ByThe Public Lens
The Ugandan government has intensified its efforts to protect customary land ownership, addressing critical challenges in land administration across the country.
State Minister of Urban Development, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, presented these efforts during the NRM Manifesto Week 2024 at the Office of the Prime Minister.
One notable achievement is the cancellation of a freehold land title measuring 7,537.34 hectares in Agago District, which was erroneously issued on land already occupied by customary landowners. This title was identified during sensitization and registration efforts.
Another freehold title in Okidi North Village, Amuru District, measuring 2,043.254 hectares, is in the process of being cancelled. This title was mistakenly issued on land belonging to the Paramount Chief.
“These actions aim to protect customary landowners and reinforce adherence to the law,” Minister Obiga Kania stated.
To enhance land tenure security, 90,000 Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) have been issued to beneficiaries in 21 districts, including Kasese, Nwoya, Mbale, and Adjumani.
The formation of 903 Communal Land Associations (CLAs) has also been established to manage communal lands as legal entities. Workflows have been developed to integrate CCO records into the National Land Information System (NLIS), ensuring efficient management and transparency in land administration.
Through the Systematic Land Adjudication and Certification (SLAAC) project, the government has registered 125,000 freehold land titles and demarcated 346,222 parcels of land across 19 local governments.
In addition, 6,556 land titles have been prepared for Refugee Hosting Districts (RHDs) such as Lamwo, Yumbe, and Terego, ensuring that vulnerable communities secure their land rights.
The government is also addressing land disputes by cancelling 964 duplicate land titles, with additional titles under review. Resurveys have been conducted on four cadastre blocks in Luwero and Wakiso.
To modernize land management, 24 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) have been established nationwide, and historical land records, such as the Kalamazoo, have been digitized and incorporated into the LIS.
Hon. Obiga Kania reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair and transparent land administration. “These efforts reflect our resolve to protect customary landowners, streamline land registration, and promote equitable land management as outlined in the NRM Manifesto,” he stated.
