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Abstract
This knowledge document presents experiences and lessons from the Land-at-Scale Uganda project on scaling up community-based land registration and land-use planning on customary land. Implemented by UN-Habitat and the Global Land Tool Network in partnership with national, academic, civil society, and local government actors, the project addresses persistent challenges related to tenure insecurity, land disputes, weak land institutions, and unsustainable land and wetland use in Uganda, where more than 80 per cent of land is held under customary tenure.
Drawing on multi-year, field-based implementation across the Kyoga Plains, south-western Uganda, and the West Nile region, the publication documents how participatory, fit-for-purpose, and gender-responsive land tools were used to register customary land rights, integrate land-use planning into registration processes, and strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms. Key results include the mapping and documentation of nearly 19,000 land parcels, the issuance of Certificates of Customary Ownership benefiting men, women, and youth, the development of subcounty physical development plans, and the establishment of community-led wetland management plans that contributed to ecological restoration and reduced conflict.
The document also analyses challenges encountered during implementation—including political interference, community mistrust, entrenched gender norms, and institutional capacity gaps—and outlines practical strategies used to address them. It concludes with actionable lessons on stakeholder engagement, institutional strengthening, integration of land-use planning and tenure security, legal and policy alignment, and the importance of sustained government support and strong partnerships. The publication serves as a practical resource for governments, development partners, and practitioners seeking to advance inclusive, scalable, and sustainable approaches to customary land governance.
Publication details
- Authors / creators
- Brian Makabayi, Hilda Nyamwiza, Teesma Mark Katusiime, Caroline Kayanja, Jordana Wamboga, Daniel Ogwang, Tom Wandera, Prosperous Aheisiibwe, Joan Asiimwe, Harriet Mesiku, Brenda Mungunini Cenia, Evelyne Ajambo and Teddy Kisembo. Edited by Simon Peter Mwesigye and Sandra Quintero.
- Publisher / producer
- UN-Habitat and Global Land Tool Network
- Publication date
- February 2026
- Resource type
- Project brief
- Language
- English
- Extent
- 28 pages
- Geographic focus
- Uganda
Program: LAND-at-scale.
Related projects: LAND-at-scale Uganda: Research on customary land governance.