Land ownership under the customary land system is an important legal process that ensures individuals and families have recognized rights over their land. The process of registering land under this system involves several key steps, from application to approval. Here is a step-by-step guide to registering individual or family land under the customary land system.
1. Application Process
To begin the registration process, the applicant must obtain three copies of the Customary Certificate of Ownership (CCO) application form from the respective sub-county Area Land Committee (ALC) office. The cost for these copies is UGX 5,000, paid to the sub-county office, with a receipt provided as proof of payment. The applicant then fills out Part A of the CCO application form at the ALC office.
2. Public Notice and Verification
Once the application is submitted, the sub-county ALC reviews it and issues a public notice. This notice is displayed at both the sub-county office and the applicant’s parish for 14 days. The notice includes details such as the applicant’s name, application date, and the scheduled land inspection date.
3. Boundary Verification and Demarcation
To ensure accuracy and prevent land conflicts, all ALC members visit the land to verify its boundaries and resolve any disputes. If no disputes arise, the ALC and community members proceed with the demarcation process. Neighbors agree on boundaries, and boundary markers such as Ficus/Kituba, Jatropha, Uyenje, or Euphorbia are planted. The land’s coordinates are recorded, and a hand-drawn sketch is documented on Land Form 23. This form is then signed by ALC members, the landowner, neighbors, and witnesses.
4. Land Assessment and Recommendation
The ALC convenes to discuss the application and their findings. A field inspection report is prepared and then submitted to the District Land Board (DLB) for review.
5. Approval and Issuance of CCO
If the application is approved, the DLB instructs the Sub-County Recorder to issue the CCO in the applicant’s name. The applicant is required to pay UGX 5,000 for the issuance of the certificate and receives a receipt upon payment.
6. Regulations and Dispute Resolution
To ensure smooth transactions involving the CCO, certain regulations must be followed:
Any transactions must have documented consent from the majority of the Customary Land Association (CLA).
If the land belongs to a family, consent from family members is required.
Disputes related to the CCO are resolved by family members, clans, or traditional institutions following customary norms.
The final decision is communicated to the Recorder for official notation on the CCO.
Role of the Sub-County Physical Planning Committee
The Sub-County Physical Planning Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating land ownership processes. Their duties include:
Ensuring land use aligns with approved physical development plans.
Maintaining plot standards and environmental conservation.
Functions of the Sub-County Physical Planning Committee
1. Initiating the preparation of sub-county physical planning development plans.
2. Recommending development plans to the District Physical Planning Committee for approval.
3. Implementing structure plans in consultation with the district physical planner.
4. Ensuring that land tenure documents align with established land use regulations.
Conclusion
Registering land under the customary land system is a structured process that safeguards landowners’ rights while promoting orderly land use. By following the required steps and ensuring compliance with the guidelines set by the Sub-County Physical Planning Committee, individuals and families can secure legal ownership of their land and prevent future disputes.