The Government of Uganda has taken an important step in strengthening land ownership and protecting communities in Kumi District by issuing Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) to 216 families. The certificates were officially handed over during a ceremony held at Mukongoro Town Council offices. The event was presided over by Mrs. Dorcas Okalany, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and was attended by district leaders, government officials, partners, and members of the community.
The beneficiaries came from Kakures, Atukur, Mukongoro, Nyero, and Ongino subcounties. Among the 216 families that received the certificates, 59 percent were women, 41 percent were men, and 5 percent were persons with disabilities. When the average number of family members in each household is considered, the initiative is estimated to benefit about 1,413 people. This shows the government’s commitment to ensuring that land ownership benefits many people, especially vulnerable groups within communities.
The issuance of the certificates follows a directive from the President in September 2022, when he emphasized the need for government to help poor and vulnerable citizens register their customary land. In many parts of Uganda, land is owned under customary arrangements but often lacks formal documentation. Without proper legal documents, landowners can face challenges such as disputes, forced evictions, and loss of property. The Certificates of Customary Ownership help address this problem by providing legal proof that the land belongs to the registered owners.
Government has been implementing several land sector programs aimed at helping citizens map, register, and update their land records. These programs also support faith-based institutions that have received land from communities. By giving people legal documents for their land, the government hopes to promote security, reduce conflicts, and encourage development in rural areas.
The new certificates include modern security features such as QR codes, automated serial numbers, and other hidden protections similar to those found on freehold land titles. In addition, the information about the landowners has been captured in the National Land Information System. This digital system helps government offices keep accurate records of land ownership across the country and makes it easier to track who owns which land.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Okalany appreciated the efforts of Kumi District land management institutions and development partners such as Habitat for Humanity Uganda. She praised their dedication in ensuring that the process followed the required procedures and in strengthening the capacity of district land offices, land boards, and area land committees.
However, she also expressed concern about the growing practice of subdividing family land into very small portions among children after the death of parents. According to her, excessive subdivision can lead to land fragmentation, making it difficult for families to carry out productive farming in the future. This practice can also affect government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, which aims to improve household incomes through productive use of land.
She reminded the community that since 2010 the entire country was declared a planning zone. This means that anyone wishing to subdivide registered customary land must first obtain consent from the district authorities. The rule is meant to ensure proper planning and responsible land use while still allowing individuals to maintain ownership of their land.
The Permanent Secretary also advised the new landowners to take good care of their certificates. She warned them not to write on the documents or laminate them because doing so can make the certificates invalid. In addition, any transaction involving the land must be reported and registered at the subcounty level. Any transaction that is not officially registered is considered null and void.
The issuance of Certificates of Customary Ownership in Kumi District marks a significant achievement in protecting land rights and promoting development. With secure ownership, families can confidently use their land for farming, investment, and other productive activities. For the beneficiaries, the certificates represent more than just documents; they provide security, stability, and hope for a better future.
