Uganda Case Law

Kaddu and Another v Kazibwe and 2 Others

Kaddu and Another v Kazibwe and 2 Others (Civil Suit 648 of 2020) [2025] UGHCLD 31 (6 February 2025)

Court

HC: Land Division (Uganda)

Case number

Civil Suit 648 of 2020

Judge

Nkonge, J

The court found that the 1st defendant's family had occupied the suit land as their family home since 1992, with uninterrupted possession and recognition by local authorities. The evidence showed that the family was not compensated for their interest, and their occupation predated the plaintiffs' acquisition of title. The law protects lawful and bona fide occupants, including family land, and prohibits transactions without spousal consent. The plaintiffs failed to conduct adequate due diligence and did not compensate all occupants. The change in proprietorship did not extinguish the existing…

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• Trespass To Land
• Bonafide Occupant
• Family Land
• Title Registration
• Compensation For Land
• Due Diligence

Abdul Bar Abdalla v Abdalla Kadet and 3 Others

Abdul Bar Abdalla v Abdalla Kadet and 3 Others (Civil Appeal No. 054 of 2020) [2025] UGHC 535 (23 January 2025)

Court

High Court of Uganda

Case number

Civil Appeal No. 054 of 2020

Judge

Phillip Odoki, J

The court found that the Appellant failed to prove that the suit land belonged to Abdalla Ibrahim Lakwar, as no evidence of lease, occupation licence, or residence was adduced. The Respondents proved that Hajjati Zamzam Ibrahim enjoyed possessory title over the suit land, supported by receipts and occupation permits in her name, and unchallenged occupation for decades. The court held that possession confers a possessory title enforceable against all but those with a better title. However, the document dated 12th June 1999 was not authored by Hajjati Zamzam Ibrahim, who was illiterate, and was…

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• Possessory Title
• Succession Of Estates
• Gift Inter Vivos
• Bonafide Occupant
• Evaluation Of Evidence

Magadu and Another v Kiiza

Magadu and Another v Kiiza (Civil Appeal 63 of 2020) [2023] UGHC 166 (22 December 2023)

Court

High Court of Uganda

Case number

Civil Appeal 63 of 2020

Judge

Serunkuma, J

The High Court found that both parties claimed unregistered interests in the suit land, but the Respondent's claim was more probable based on long-term occupation since 1986, corroborated by witnesses and applications for leasehold and freehold titles. The Appellants' chain of title was unclear, with inconsistencies regarding possession and the authority of the vendors. The 1st Appellant failed to conduct adequate due diligence, notably by not consulting the Respondent, who was a neighbouring occupant. The court held that customary tenure and occupancy confer equitable interests protected by…

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• Customary Land Tenure
• Ownership Disputes
• Burden Of Proof
• Bonafide Occupant
• Land Sale Agreements

Kabyanga v Sanyu and 4 Others

Kabyanga v Sanyu and 4 Others (Civil Suit No. 304 of 2002) [2021] UGHCLD 112 (27 August 2021)

Court

HC: Land Division (Uganda)

Case number

Civil Suit No. 304 of 2002

Judge

Busingye, J

The plaintiff acquired both equitable and bonafide interests in the suit land by virtue of a valid sale agreement and uninterrupted occupation since 1982. The defendants, particularly the 1st defendant, acted fraudulently by purchasing and registering interests in the land with knowledge of the plaintiff's prior equitable interest and occupation. The 3rd and 4th defendants failed to conduct proper due diligence and cannot claim to be bonafide purchasers for value. The 2nd defendant lost interest after his title was cancelled. The Commissioner for Land Registration did not contest the suit. Th…

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• Bonafide Occupant
• Equitable Interest
• Fraudulent Registration
• Mesne Profits
• Land Title Cancellation
• Remedies For Land Disputes

Saku Lubega v Okudi

Saku Lubega v Okudi (Civil Suit No. 2177 of 2016) [2021] UGHCLD 69 (25 February 2021)

Court

HC: Land Division (Uganda)

Case number

Civil Suit No. 2177 of 2016

Judge

Kawesa, J

The High Court held that the defendant lawfully bought a kibanja interest before the plaintiff became registered owner, dismissed the suit, and allowed the counterclaim.

• Kibanja Interest
• Bonafide Occupant
• Trespass To Land
• Declarations
• Permanent Injunction
• General Damages

Ssepuuya Vincent & Another V Uganda (High Court Criminal Appeal No. 128 of 2017)

Ssepuuya Vincent & Another V Uganda (High Court Criminal Appeal No. 128 of 2017) [2018] UGHCCRD 227 (3 October 2018)

Court

HC: Criminal Division (Uganda)

Case number

High Court Criminal Appeal No. 128 of 2017

Judge

Anglin, J

The High Court allowed a criminal appeal, quashing convictions for criminal trespass and malicious damage to property over a land dispute and acquitting the appellants.

• Criminal Trespass
• Malicious Damage To Property
• Honest Claim Of Right
• Possession Of Land
• Bonafide Occupant
• Criminal-trespass

Nanyunja v Nakayima (Miscellenous Applicaton No. 536 of 2002)

Nanyunja v Nakayima (Miscellenous Applicaton No. 536 of 2002) [2002] UGHC 18 (22 August 2002)

Court

High Court of Uganda

Case number

Miscellenous Applicaton No. 536 of 2002

The High Court refused an interim injunction stopping eviction from disputed land, finding the applicant had not shown irreparable harm or sufficient supporting facts.

• Interim Injunction
• Irreparable Harm
• Bonafide Occupant
• Estate Administration
• Temporary-injunction
• Irreparable-harm