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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:A comparative analysis of the pre and post colonial land tenure systems in Buganda: which one is the most suitable for the future?
Author:Mukiibi-Katende, M.W.
Year:2003
Periodical:Uganda Journal (ISSN 0041-574X)
Volume:49
Period:December
Pages:15-19
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Uganda
East Africa
Great Britain
Subjects:Buganda polity
colonialism
customary law
land law
Agriculture, Agronomy, Forestry
land tenure
land use
imperialism
Buganda
history
Abstract:This paper looks at the evolution of administrative and land tenure structures in Buganda in the pre and post-colonial period. Initially, all land in the kingdom belonged to the 'kabaka' (king) and there was, therefore, no single land tenure pattern in the kingdom. As Buganda developed politically, its administrative hierarchy also developed and became more elaborate. The 'kabaka' began to exercise his prerogative by granting unoccupied land to his chiefs. As a result, four different land tenure systems were created: 'Obutongole (rights of the chiefs over land), 'Obutaka' (clan rights over land), 'Obwesengeze' (undisputed occupation) and 'Bakopi' ((peasants) rights of occupation). In 1894, Buganda became a British protectorate and, subsequently, Indirect Rule was introduced. The British began the process of giving land as incentives to the chiefs. This was the beginning of State control over land. The precolonial land tenure systems gave a share to all classes of people in Buganda. The colonial 'mailo' system was advantageous only to a privileged few. For Buganda and Uganda today, a freehold land tenure system would be the most suitable to replace the outdated and unfair 'mailo' land tenure system. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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