ESAFF Uganda has launched a ground-breaking report titled "Small-Scale Farmers' Perspective on Women Land Rights". This inaugural edition of the Land Rights Opinion Poll Series highlights the critical challenges faced by small-scale farmers, particularly women, in accessing, controlling, and owning land across various regions in Uganda. This report was launched by the Mbale City Deputy Mayor Hon. Harriet Kakai during the 6th Annual Women in Agriculture (WiA) Conference which took place on 15th October 2024 in Mbale City.
The report, supported by Oxfam, draws from data collected in 17 districts and offers an in-depth analysis of the status of land rights from the perspective of the most vulnerable small-scale farmers. The findings are based on a structured survey targeting small-scale farmers, with a focus on gender equity and the enforcement of legal frameworks governing land rights.
ESAFF Uganda’s National Coordinator, Ms. Nancy Mugimba, emphasized the significance of the study, stating, “This report amplifies the voices of small-scale farmers, especially women, who face profound land-related challenges. It is a wake-up call for policymakers to address the barriers in Uganda’s land governance systems that prevent women from fully enjoying their land rights."
The Mbale City Deputy Mayor, Hon. Harriet Kakai, stated that, “Women still face a lot of limitations regarding land, I hope this report will be used by different stakeholders to build a better system that protects the rights of women and girls at all cost.”
Key Findings from the report reveals substantial disparities in land rights awareness and access, particularly among women in rural areas. While Uganda's constitution and land laws provide for gender equality, the study highlights the persistent influence of traditional norms that marginalize women. In regions like Northern and Central Uganda, customary land practices are often more powerful than national laws, significantly limiting women’s access to land.
The report further revealed that over 54% of male respondents acknowledged that women have limited control over land, with most viewing land access as a male-dominated domain. Female respondents expressed even greater concern, with many highlighting the lack of support in resolving land-related disputes.
The study also revealed that over 80% of Uganda's land remains unregistered, further complicating land tenure security, particularly for women who often lack formal land titles. Land conflicts, exacerbated by unclear ownership and illegal acquisitions, continue to undermine the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
The report advocates for stronger policy interventions, including comprehensive legal education programs targeting women, community-based legal aid services, and the reform of customary land laws. "This report should serve as a tool for reforming Uganda’s land governance systems to ensure that women's rights to land are not only recognized but fully protected," said Ms. Masudio Margaret, Women Forum Chairperson.
ESAFF Uganda has also established an information platform where small-scale farmers can access vital land rights information via SMS, WhatsApp, and voice notes. Additionally, ESAFF Uganda offers free legal aid services and supports community-led mediation to resolve land disputes.
The launch of this report marks a significant step toward promoting gender justice in Uganda's agricultural sector, ensuring that women—who make up over 50% of the population—can actively participate in and benefit from land ownership.
For more information on the report or to download a copy, visit https://www.esaffuganda.org/_files/ugd/7283b6_68b57d0fb93e4732aa210d4db9af89ed.pdf?index=true.
Article written by: Andrew Adem
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