Uganda digitizes its land management system to streamline transactions. Real estate stakeholders are encouraged to align with the new digital system, while users are advised to exercise due diligence when utilizing it.

Establishing a national land information system

Authorities in Kampala have launched what is known as the Uganda National Land Information System (UgNLIS), a digital platform through which the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development aims to modernize the management of this critical resource.

According to an update from the Ministry, the initiative seeks to eliminate inefficiencies in the country’s land management. By digitizing land records, the Ministry aims to improve transparency and accessibility to a wide range of land-related data. « The system represents a significant step towards transforming land services and building public trust. UgNLIS manages spatially referenced data for land registration, assessment, planning, and administration across Uganda », the report reads in part.

The user-friendly digital system allows the public to access land information through an online portal, providing remote access to land data and saving time by reducing the need for in-person visits to government offices.

Reducing processing times from weeks to hours

The system’s intuitive interface enables clients to access services such as land searches, registrations, transfers, and even land assessment reservations among other services offered by the Ministry.

The Ministry reports that the new system adheres to legislative standards for collecting, updating, processing, and disseminating land information. It is designed to streamline transaction management and record keeping.

The online platform also facilitates transactions with features for title registration, property transfers, assessments, title issuance, and mortgages. « Enhancing transaction management through digitizing land payment services is a key function of UgNLIS », the report notes.

By digitizing land records, the Ministry aims to mitigate risks such as document loss, tampering, or fraud, challenges that previously affected the paper-based system. « The digital records improve security and accuracy, ensuring more reliable land administration », the press release states. Additionally, digitization reduces transaction times from weeks or months to just hours or days.

Practical and reliable solution for managing land issues

With digital accessibility, the Ministry promotes convenience and provides stakeholders with reliable information at the click of a button. UgNLIS also integrates with other government platforms such as the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), National Information Technology Authority (NITA-Uganda), National Building Review Board (NBRB), and Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).

This interconnected approach ensures effective land administration among various government entities, enhancing service delivery. Through the new digital system, digital payments for various land services can now be made online with real-time processing, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

Clients can track their application progress, verify title authenticity, and check for encumbrances. These digital features provide a practical and reliable solution for handling land issues effectively.