Assessing the Efficacy of Land Laws and their Impact on the Growing Land Markets in the Albertine Region

Abstract

This research sought to assess the how well land Laws in Uganda are set up regulate the impact of oil discovery on land markets. To do so, the research set up questions upon which the research objectives were based. The objectives of the research were (a) to examine the legislative and regulatory framework governing land ownership and use in Uganda, (b) to examine how commercial oil discovery has impacted on the population growth, land use patterns and the value of land in the Albertine region, and (c) to examine the ability of the Land legal framework in regulating the growing land market in the Albertine Region. These were preceded by the methodology of the study that put forth the research design, population and ethics to be considered. The research adopted a qualitative research design where a few members of the targeted areas were interviewed. The concluded that there are inflated population densities in the districts where oil development is occurring within the most recent census period, and a trajectory of population density that differs from the national average of Uganda and non-oil impacted districts. Additionally, oil-impacted districts had increased fragmentation and conversion of natural lands compared to non-oil impacted districts. It was also concluded that the discovery of oil resource led to the increase in values of the land in the Albertine region. This in turn has been the leading cause of land grabbing and other land related injustices. Based on the findings, the researcher made recommendations to all involved parties on how best to regulate land issues in the Albertine region.