Formal land registration and security of access for the rural poor, a case study of Kyenjojo local government in Uganda.

Access and security of tenure is important for rural livelihoods since majority derive· their sustenance from land. The traditional systems of owning land that are common means available to the rural poor, are believed to be insecure and inhibit investment and increased agriculture productivity. As a result, African countries have promoted formal land registration and titling through land reforms, which is premised to guarantee tenure security and enhance investment. This paper analyses the impact of the land registration process itself on the rural poor and uses Kyenjojo local government-Uganda, as a case study. The results of the study show that the registration process has not served the·rural poor hence weakened land rights. A conclusion is drawn that customary certificate of ownership and certificate of occupancy would be a viable option to a land title for customary tenants, bona fide and lawful occupants respectively.