The Government of Uganda on the 13th March, handed over Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) to 216 families in Kumi District, strengthening land rights, reducing disputes, and protecting vulnerable households. The ceremony took place at Mukongoro Town Council offices and was officiated by Mrs. Dorcas Okalany, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

The beneficiaries include approximately 1,413 individuals, with 59 percent women, 41 percent men, and 5 percent persons with disabilities, from Kakures, Atukur, Mukongoro, Nyero, and Ongino sub-counties. The initiative follows a 2022 directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who instructed the government to assist citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable, to map, register, and secure legal documentation for their customary land.

“This initiative is intended to assist poor and vulnerable citizens to map and register their land and acquire legal documents called Certificates of Customary Ownership,” Mrs. Okalany said. She emphasized that the program aims to protect landowners, curb disputes, prevent forced evictions, and safeguard widows, orphans, children, and other vulnerable groups.

The Permanent Secretary also commended the efforts of Kumi district land management institutions, and partners Habitat for Humanity Uganda and Ujamaa. In her keynote address, Mrs. Okalany said, “ I thank the Kumi District Land Management institutions and the Partners for tirelessly working to follow the procedures and process including building the capacities of the District Land Office, District Land Board, the office of the Recorder and the Area Land Committees. I now expect the District technical staff to take lead of the processes to register more customary land in Kumi District.”

The new CCOs feature QR codes, automated serial numbers, and hidden security elements similar to freehold titles, and are integrated into the National Land Information System, ensuring secure and transparent land records.

Mrs. Okalany warned against the practice of subdividing land among children after parents' death, saying it leads to fragmentation that undermines agriculture and development initiatives such as the Parish Development Model. She reminded residents that subdivision of registered customary land now requires government consent, and all transactions must be endorsed by the Recorder and registered at the sub-county level. “Any transaction not reported and registered is null and void,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary urged beneficiaries to protect their certificates, avoid writing on or laminating them, and use them to generate wealth and secure their land from disputes. With over 105,000 CCOs already registered in 35 districts, the program continues to expand, helping Ugandans secure land ownership and support productive agriculture.