THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND TENURE SYSTEMS AND LAND CONFLICT: A CASE OF NAKASONGOLA DISTRICT- CENTRAL UGANDA

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between land tenure systems and land conflict in Nakasongola District. The objectives of the study were; to investigate the relationship between customary land tenure system and land conflict, establishing the relationship between mailo land tenure system and land conflict, investigating the relationship between freehold land tenure system and land conflict as well as establishing the relationship between leasehold land tenure system and land conflict. A correlation cross-sectional research design was used supplemented with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. An accessible population of 287 participants was identified from which a sample of 187 participants was selected and used. A response rate of 74% was obtained from which the key finding was a positive significant relationship for customary land tenure system (.366**), mailo land tenure system (.538**), free hold land tenure system (.319**) and leasehold land tenure system (.466**) and land conflict was obtained. Based on the key findings, the following are concluded: Customary land ownership permits the primary owners all use rights, consensual decisions are based on family or clan ties with fewer female members (widows) legally recognised to inherit the customary land. mailo land belongs to powerful persons and Institutions like churches and Buganda kingdom to which rent is supposed to be paid. In some areas, the land has squatters. Free hold land tenure system allows land owners to have deeds while government deserved the right to mineral ownership on such land. Leasehold land is used for a specific period of time, it’s formally registered and a title deed is issued. Formal agreements on customary land should be encouraged by the Lands department at the District. Government should pay off absentee Land Lords and facilitate tenants to acquire title deeds. Further studies on Presidential directives, population pressure and land value appreciation and land conflicts should be undertaken.