2. Freehold Tenure

This land tenure system offers the highest degree of land security, allowing individuals to own land indefinitely. This system grants complete control over the land, making it a highly desirable form of tenure for both local residents and international investors. Owners of freehold land enjoy extensive legal rights, including the freedom to buy, sell, or mortgage their property. This flexibility is a significant advantage, enabling landowners to leverage their property for financial gain or investment. Below are key features of this system:

• Attractive for Development: Freehold tenure facilitates commercial and real estate development, offering a stable platform for investment.
• Economic Growth: By allowing land to be freely transacted, freehold tenure encourages economic activity and development.
• Requires Sustainable Management: Requires owners to manage their property responsibly to ensure environmental and community well-being.

3. Mailo Tenure

Mailo tenure is a unique land ownership system exclusive to Uganda, developed from historical agreements during the colonial era. It shares similarities with freehold tenure but incorporates elements of customary conditions, making it distinct in its operation and implications. This system is characterized by a dual ownership model where both landlords and tenants have certain rights over the same piece of land. Some key features of this system are:

• Influences Development Strategies: Mailo tenure’s unique characteristics shape land use planning and development strategies within Uganda.
• Complex Legal Scenarios: The dual ownership aspect can lead to intricate legal disputes between landlords and tenants, affecting property management.

4. Leasehold Tenure

Leasehold tenure in Uganda involves leasing land from a freeholder for periods up to 99 years. Common in commercial and agricultural sectors, it offers long-term stability without the full cost of freehold ownership. It allows effective land use while avoiding high upfront investments. Its key characteristics are:

• Flexibility for Development: Leasehold tenure provides flexibility for developers and businesses to use the land intensively without owning it outright.
• Stability for Long-Term Projects: The long duration of leases, such as those for 99 years, offers stability, essential for significant investments in agriculture or industry.
• Appeal to Investors: By reducing the initial capital outlay, leasehold tenure makes large-scale land projects more accessible and appealing to investors.