Interviewer instructions
Question H8: Land Tenure of Plot
Ask, "What is the Land Tenure of this plot?"
221. For purposes of the census, Land Tenure is the arrangement under which a plot of land on which a dwelling unit stands.
222. This question should be asked to only those Households living in owner occupied buildings. For persons in other types of residence tenure, leave this question blank.
223. The following are brief descriptions of the different land tenure systems operated in Uganda:
Customary land: This is the type of land tenure system where land is passed from generations to generations. The land is owned under prevailing customs, traditions or tribal laws of the specific community. It provides for the communal ownership and use of land characterized by local customary regulation. This land is owned in perpetuity (for ever or for a long time).
Freehold tenure: This involves the holding of a registered land for ever or for a less period. The system enables the holder to exercise, subject to the law the powers of ownership of land including but not necessarily limited to:
i. Using and developing land for lawful purpose;
ii. Taking and using the land and any produce from it;
iii. Entering into transaction in connection with the land;
iv. Disposing of the land to any person by will.
v. For avoidance of doubt, a freehold title may be procured by the owners of land here.
Mailo land tenure system: This involves the holding of registered land in perpetuity. It allows the separation of ownership of land from the developments on land made by a lawful or bonafide occupant.
Leasehold: Under leasehold land tenure system, land is owned on contract for a specified period of time. The tenant (lessee) gets powers from the landlord (leaser) to have exclusive powers of owning land within the specified time limit. The land is usually but not necessarily owned in return for a rent, which may be a capital sum known as premium or both rent and a premium but may be in return for services or may be free of any required return.
