Establishment of a Customary Land Registry in Uganda
Currently and for the largest part, non-documentary evidence is still being used to help establish rights under customary tenure. Boundaries are demarcated using natural markers and features such as ant hills, streams, hill tops, trees, shrubs or stones. Ascertainment of ownership is often witnessed by the clan or council of elders or the family head. However, where registration is happening, it is governed by Section 4(1) of the Land Act Cap 227 that grants any person, family or community holding land under customary tenure the liberty to apply for a certificate of customary ownership (CCO) through the processes provided therein. Upon successful completion of the process, one is issued the certificate of customary ownership that shall be taken as conclusive evidence of the customary rights and interests specified in it.
