Uganda recognises four distinct land tenure systems: customary, freehold, mailo, and leasehold. Each system has different rules regarding ownership, transfer, and succession.
Constitution of Uganda, Article 237; Land Act, Cap 227, Section 2
The Supreme Court addressed the relationship between mailo land owners and lawful/bona fide occupants, clarifying the rights of both parties under the Land Act.
The Privy Council recognised the nature of customary land tenure and its incidents, providing guidance applicable to East African customary land systems.
Land disputes are among the most common legal issues in Uganda. Understanding which tenure system applies is the first step in advising any land-related matter.
Questions on land tenure often require you to compare and contrast the four systems. Prepare a table of key features (transferability, registration, succession rules) for each system.
