Securing Land, Strengthening Livelihoods in Luuka

Over 2,000 farmers in Luuka District have secured their land and legacies. Through the Luuka Food Security Initiative project funded by Bread for the World, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has issued Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) to smallholder landowners in Luuka. This landmark effort is aimed at providing the legal foundation necessary for farmers to invest in their land with newfound confidence.

On 3^rd March 2026, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development issued some of the certificates during an event held in Bukooma Sub- County. The activity is part of the project’s ongoing work to strengthen livelihoods and food security, improve land security for smallholder farmers, and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services in Luuka District. Now in its second year, the project continues to support communities to secure land rights that are essential for sustainable agricultural production.

For many residents, the certificates represent long-awaited protection of land that has been vulnerable to encroachment and disputes.

Kasuba Steven, a beneficiary from Bukooma Sub-county, described the challenges communities have faced in the past.

“For a long time, we have been facing challenges with our land, especially from intruders and trespassers who kept encroaching on it,” he said. “When LWF came and sensitized us about land matters and the importance of acquiring land titles, some of us developed interest and started the process. At first many people thought the project was a way of grabbing their land, but we remained committed. Today we are very happy to receive our Certificate of Customary Ownership because we know our land is now secure.”

Community sensitization was an important first step in helping residents understand the benefits of land registration. Through meetings and support from LWF field officers, households were guided through the application process, which included land surveying and submission of identification documents.

Azida Nambooze, a resident of Budama A Village in Bukooma Sub-county, said the process has given her confidence as a landowner.

“When we first heard that we could obtain land titles at a cost of only UGX 20,000 (5.45$), I wanted to confirm if it was true,” she said. “After consulting our local leaders and attending sensitization meetings, I decided to apply. Today I am very grateful to receive my certificate. As a woman, this document gives me security knowing that I legally own my land. It protects women’s rights and allows us to use the land for agricultural production and improve food security for our families.” 

The UGX 20,000 fee is paid to the respective subcounty offices as an application fee.

District officials say the certificates will help address longstanding challenges related to land conflicts and informal land use arrangements.

Dorothy Kisakye, the Senior Lands Management Officer for Luuka District, noted that many residents previously lacked formal proof of ownership, which left them vulnerable to land grabbing and disputes, particularly with commercial sugarcane growers who sometimes overstay on rented land.

“With the support of LWF, communities have been able to acquire these titles at a very affordable cost of only UGX 20,000, (5.45$)” she said. “Normally, the full process can cost up to UGX 3.5 million (953.60$). These certificates will protect landowners, reduce disputes, and ensure that anyone wishing to use the land must legally lease it from the rightful owners.”

Government representatives also emphasized the importance of customary land documentation. In a message delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands Housing and urban Development, Mr.Denis Obbo the PRO Ministry of Lands Housing and urban Development explained that Certificates of Customary Ownership provide legally recognized rights similar to freehold titles.

According to the ministry, the updated certificates are now integrated into the National Land Information System and include security features such as barcodes and automated serial numbers to prevent fraud. Officials encouraged communities to use their land productively and avoid excessive subdivision, noting that the average household landholding in Luuka District is about two acres.

Through the Luuka Food Security Initiative, LWF continues to work with local authorities and communities to strengthen land governance while supporting broader development outcomes. Secure land rights not only protect households from disputes but also enable farmers to invest confidently in agriculture, improve productivity and strengthen food security for their families.

As more residents obtain Certificates of Customary Ownership, communities in Luuka are taking an important step toward stable livelihoods and a more secure future.