An initiative to enhance land tenure security in the Busoga Region is underway involving the registration of Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs). The initiative aims to secure 25,000 CCOs by January 2027 and represents a significant step in empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development.
The collaborative effort involves the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD) with support from the Cadasta Foundation, Ujamaa Foundation and Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children Welfare (UCOBAC) with financial support from the Rising Tide Foundation. The initiative is not just about issuing certificates, but recognizing and validating the land rights of thousands of individuals, particularly women, who have long been marginalized in land ownership matters.
The project focuses on Namutumba and Kaliro Districts where the first phase of demarcation began in January 2024 explained Alex Bwoji at the Ujamaa Foundation. The current phase of the project targets the registration of 10,000 CCOs in Magada and Ivukula Sub-Counties, with completion expected within 90 days. Already, the initiative has received over 6,000 applications and documented 4,421 parcels of land. Notably, 72% of these parcels are owned by women or jointly by men and women, highlighting the project’s emphasis on gender equality highlighted Bwoji.
This follows extensive high-level sensitization completed in late 2023 and early 2024. Meetings with Namutumba District local government leaders, including Local Councilors, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Resident District Commissioner and members of the District Land Board, underscored the importance of securing land tenure. Such engagements have been crucial in building support and understanding at the local level, setting the stage for successful implementation.
Village-level sensitization further expanding the project’s reach. The process involves a meticulous five-step plan, starting with stakeholder outreach and engagement, followed by training and field testing. This phase emphasizes land rights awareness and women’s land rights, ensuring that the community understands the significance of the initiative.
Household and parcel data collection is the core activity with teams visiting 5,000 homes in each Sub-county. This hands-on approach not only gathers necessary data, but also fosters trust and cooperation among residents. The subsequent data review and quality control ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information collected, a critical step before government approval and certificate issuance.
Namutumba District Chairperson Mr. David Mukisa recently welcomed a delegation comprising representatives from the Rising Tide Foundation, Ujamaa Foundation and Cadasta Foundation that visited the district to inspect the progress of the initiative. He welcomed the project as a significant step toward development and securing land tenure security in the region. The Namutumba District Deputy Resident District Commissioner Josephine Ibarseret Osba confirmed the initiative had contributed to a significant reduction in land related conflict in the District.
Through securing land rights, the project is fostering a sense of ownership and security among residents, particularly women, who have historically been disadvantaged in land matters. It also sets a precedent for other regions in Uganda and beyond; demonstrating that collaborative efforts can lead to substantial, positive change.
The project underscores the critical role of land tenure in achieving broader development goals, from economic empowerment to social stability. The registration of Certificates of Customary Ownership in Busoga sets a precedent for other regions in Uganda and beyond, demonstrating that collaborative efforts can lead to substantial, positive change. The project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government, organizations and communities work together towards a common goal.
