The newly launched online land information portal promises to improve land management in Uganda by providing easy access to land-related data. Launched on October 2, 2024, by the Ministry of Lands, the portal allows users to verify land ownership for just Shs10,000 using their smartphones and an internet connection. This aims to address long-standing issues like land fraud, multiple titling, and corruption that have plagued the sector for years.
The portal offers numerous advantages, including instant responses to land inquiries and reduced in-person interactions with ministry officials, who have often been associated with corrupt practices. Users can access accurate ownership and transaction details, track property information, monitor transactions, and submit valuation requests online. This digital initiative also connects with agencies like the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the National Building Review Board, minimizing revenue loss by validating payments digitally.
In its pilot phase, the portal has already registered over 4,500 users and generated Shs15 million in just two months, signalling strong public interest. The Ministry of Lands believes this digital transformation will not only streamline access to land services but also empower Ugandans with essential information for informed decision-making in property transactions, ultimately promoting good land governance.
“This digital platform is a game-changer for land management in Uganda. By providing easy access to land information, we are taking a significant step toward reducing corruption and enhancing transparency in land transactions,” said State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, at the launch event. Dorcas Okalany, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, emphasized that the online portal is crucial in combating corrupt practices, stating, “This digitization will wipe out fraud, which has plagued the ministry for several years.”
Real estate agencies are expected to gain significantly from the digitization of land services. With the ability to instantly authenticate land ownership for just Shs10,000, they can save time and resources previously lost in lengthy bureaucratic processes. This efficiency allows agents to close deals more quickly, ensuring their competitiveness in the market.
The portal will also enable real estate agencies to submit mortgages online, speeding up transactions and reducing the administrative burden of paperwork. For banks, transparency is critical in land-related transactions such as mortgages. The integration of the portal with the National Land Information System provides financial institutions with immediate access to accurate land ownership records, allowing for swift validation of land titles. This integration reduces the risks associated with fraudulent claims and enhances trust in property transactions.
By addressing long-standing challenges of revenue leakages in the land sector, the system’s collaboration with the URA ensures that payments are more secure and traceable. Improved access to land data and the elimination of fraud will likely attract both local and international investors, making Uganda a safer market for land acquisition and property development.
As businesses and individuals adapt to the online land portal, a steady revenue stream is anticipated. With 4,500 accounts already registered and Shs15 million generated, the numbers suggest a promising future. This represents an untapped market for businesses in the real estate and legal sectors to develop additional services related to land transactions, such as valuation, surveying, and property management, all now possible online.
With land ownership disputes being a major issue in Uganda, businesses will find it easier to align their long-term strategies with secure, verified data provided by the portal. Whether for corporate expansion, securing new properties, or addressing legal disputes, businesses can now make informed decisions based on transparent land information.
The government’s digitization of land services marks a big advancement. By removing barriers to access, reducing corruption, and making land information more transparent, this portal sets the stage for increased business efficiency, investment, and innovation in Uganda’s property sector. Companies that embrace this digital shift will be better positioned for success in a rapidly changing market.