Strengthening Women’s Land Rights: LEMU’s Efforts in Northern and Eastern Uganda
By Twinomujuni Charles Keith Eswau
Land ownership remains a cornerstone of economic empowerment and social stability in Uganda.
Yet, for decades, women particularly in Northern and Eastern regions have faced systemic barriers to owning, inheriting, and controlling land. The Land and Equity Movement in Uganda (LEMU) has taken deliberate steps to address these challenges, working within customary tenure systems to ensure women’s rights are recognized, respected, and protected.
*THE CONTEXT OF WOMEN’S LAND RIGHTS*
– In Uganda, customary tenure governs most rural land, especially in Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions.
– Traditional practices often exclude women from inheritance, leaving widows and daughters vulnerable to dispossession.
– Securing women’s land rights is vital for food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience.
LEMU’s STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS*
1. Customary Tenure Advocacy*
LEMU emphasizes that customary tenure, when applied fairly, can safeguard women’s rights.
Through legal literacy campaigns, women are educated about their entitlements under both statutory law and customary practices.
*2. Engagement with Clan and Local Leaders*
Recognizing the authority of clan heads and local councils, LEMU trains leaders to mediate disputes equitably and uphold women’s rights in inheritance and land allocation. This approach ensures cultural legitimacy while promoting inclusivity.
*3. Community Dialogues for Social Norms Transformation*
LEMU facilitates dialogues between men and women to challenge discriminatory norms. These forums encourage communities to view land ownership as a shared right, gradually shifting attitudes toward acceptance of women’s claims.
*4. Stand for Her Land Campaign*
As part of the global Stand for Her Land (S4HL) initiative, LEMU collaborates with partners such as UCOBAC to amplify women’s voices.
This campaign strengthens advocacy for policy reforms and mobilizes grassroots support for women’s land rights.
*5. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms*
LEMU supports community-based conflict resolution structures, ensuring women are included in decision-making processes.
This reduces land-related disputes and empowers women to assert ownership without fear of exclusion.
*ACHIEVEMENTS IN NORTHERN AND EASTERN UGANDA*
– Greater recognition of women’s rights by clan leaders in Acholi and Lango.
– Reduction in land conflicts, particularly cases involving widows and daughters.
– Increased participation of women in land governance and community decision-making.
– Strengthened customary institutions, making them more inclusive and equitable.
*Remaining Challenges*
Despite progress, obstacles persist:
– Deep-rooted cultural norms continue to resist change in some communities.
– Weak enforcement mechanisms leave women vulnerable when customary agreements are contested.
– Economic barriers hinder women from fully utilizing land even when ownership is recognized.
The writer works with LEMU Media Team
