Securing Property Interests in Uganda

Land is a critical asset in Uganda, and proper legal handling of property transactions is essential to secure investments and avoid disputes. We guide clients through Uganda's land tenure systems and ensure proper due diligence, documentation, and registration.

Land Transactions Conveyancing Title Perfection Due Diligence Real Estate Development Lease Agreements

Comprehensive Property Legal Services

Our property practice provides comprehensive legal services for all types of land transactions, from simple residential conveyancing to complex commercial real estate developments. We navigate the complexities of Uganda's land laws to protect our clients' interests.

Expertise in all Ugandan land tenure systems
Extensive experience with Uganda Registration Services Bureau
Specialization in commercial and agricultural land transactions
Comprehensive due diligence and title verification
Uganda Landscape

Understanding Uganda's Land Tenure Systems

Navigating the complexities of land ownership in Uganda

Freehold

Ownership in perpetuity, subject to payment of ground rent where applicable. Most secure form of tenure, ideal for long-term investments.

  • Perpetual ownership
  • Most secure tenure
  • Ideal for development

Leasehold

Interest in land for a defined period (typically 49 or 99 years). Common for commercial properties and government land allocations.

  • Fixed-term ownership
  • Renewable leases
  • Common for commercial use

Mailo

Unique to Uganda, combining ownership rights with obligations to lawful or bona fide occupants on the land. Requires careful due diligence.

  • Unique to Buganda region
  • Dual ownership structure
  • Tenant rights considerations

Customary

Land held according to customs of the community. Requires conversion to registered tenure for commercial transactions and financing.

  • Community-based ownership
  • Requires conversion
  • Common in rural areas

Our Property Legal Services

Comprehensive legal support for all property matters in Uganda

Commercial & Residential Conveyancing

Handling all aspects of property transfers, including drafting sale agreements, conducting due diligence, and overseeing registration at URSB.

  • Sale agreement drafting
  • Title transfer processing
  • URSB registration

Title Verification & Perfection

Conducting comprehensive title searches, identifying encumbrances, and perfecting titles through conversion, subdivision, and consolidation processes.

  • Title due diligence
  • Encumbrance identification
  • Title perfection services

Land Acquisition & Development

Advising on large-scale land acquisitions for commercial, agricultural, and residential developments. Drafting development agreements and joint venture structures.

  • Large-scale acquisitions
  • Development agreements
  • Joint venture structuring

Leasehold Transactions

Drafting, reviewing, and registering lease agreements for commercial, industrial, and residential properties, including ground leases and sub-leases.

  • Commercial lease drafting
  • Lease registration
  • Rent review mechanisms

Property Dispute Resolution

Representing clients in land disputes, boundary conflicts, trespass actions, and eviction proceedings in Ugandan courts and tribunals.

  • Boundary dispute resolution
  • Eviction proceedings
  • Title dispute litigation

Mortgage & Security Documentation

Preparing mortgage deeds and other security documents for property financing, and advising lenders on secured transactions.

  • Mortgage documentation
  • Security perfection
  • Lender representation

Property Due Diligence Process

Comprehensive verification to protect your property investment

1

Title Search & Verification

Comprehensive search at Uganda Registration Services Bureau to verify ownership, encumbrances, and title history.

2

Physical Inspection & Boundaries

Site inspection to verify physical boundaries, access rights, and any encroachments or third-party interests.

3

Legal Compliance Check

Verification of compliance with zoning laws, building regulations, environmental requirements, and local authority approvals.

4

Tenant & Occupancy Review

Assessment of existing tenancies, occupant rights, and any claims by lawful or bona fide occupants on the land.

5

Report & Recommendations

Comprehensive due diligence report with findings, risk assessment, and recommendations for transaction proceedure.

Who We Serve

Representing diverse clients in property transactions

Property Investors

Individuals and companies investing in Ugandan real estate for commercial, residential, or agricultural purposes.

Real Estate Developers

Developers undertaking residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use projects in Uganda.

Agricultural Investors

Companies acquiring large tracts of land for agricultural projects, agro-processing, and agribusiness ventures.

Financial Institutions

Banks and mortgage companies requiring property due diligence and security perfection for lending purposes.

Recent Property Matters

Examples of our work in property law and conveyancing

Commercial Development

Shopping Mall Acquisition

Advised international investor on acquisition of a shopping mall in Kampala, including due diligence, title perfection, and lease portfolio review.

Outcome: Successful acquisition with all titles perfected and tenant relationships properly documented.
Agricultural Land

Large-Scale Farm Acquisition

Assisted agribusiness company in acquiring 5,000 hectares for commercial farming, including customary tenure conversion and community agreements.

Outcome: Land successfully acquired with freehold titles and comprehensive community engagement agreements.
Residential Development

Gated Community Development

Represented developer in land assembly, title consolidation, and legal structuring for a 200-unit gated community project in Kampala.

Outcome: Successful development with all titles consolidated and proper homeowners association structure established.

Planning a Property Transaction?

Contact us for expert legal guidance on your land acquisition, conveyancing, or property development project.

Direct: (+256) 393 102 760
alfred@madaba.law