A proposal by State Minister for Lands Margaret Muhanga to abolish Uganda’s Mailo land tenure system has ignited fresh debate across the country, with many questioning what the move could mean for landowners, tenants, and future development projects.
Muhanga says the current system has become a major obstacle to government infrastructure projects. According to her, acquiring land for roads, electricity lines, and water projects often takes longer than expected because of ownership disputes and disagreements over compensation. These delays, she argues, end up increasing the overall cost of public projects.
The Mailo land system, which is mostly found in Buganda, has existed for more than a century. It gives registered landowners legal ownership while also recognizing the rights of lawful occupants, commonly known as bibanja holders. Although the arrangement was designed to protect both parties, it has also been blamed for creating long-standing land conflicts and complex legal battles.
While Muhanga believes the system should be reviewed to support faster development, the proposal has received a cautious response from Members of Parliament. Legislators say any changes to Uganda’s land laws must respect the Constitution and protect the rights of both registered landowners and lawful occupants.
They also stress that whenever government acquires private land for public projects, affected people should receive fair and prompt compensation.
The proposal is expected to fuel further public discussion, especially in Buganda, where the Mailo land system is deeply rooted and plays a significant role in the lives of millions of residents. As the debate continues, many Ugandans are calling for reforms that strike a balance between accelerating national development and protecting people’s land rights.
