Implications of land tenure laws for ensuring the sustainable management of forested landscapes alongside planned oil palm expansion in Buvuma

Abstract

This paper examines land tenure, laws and regulations, acquisition and management, implications for sustainable management of forested landscapes amidst expanding commercial agriculture. The study draws lessons from the experience of large-scale oil palm development in Bugala island, Kalangala district, and uses these to highlight issues related to land use changes and land use planning that should be considered or applied in Buvuma island, where large scale oil palm development is foreseen. The predominant land tenure systems in Buvuma island are mailo, freehold and leasehold, with almost no customary tenure. However, historical injustices created by mailo land tenure need to be streamlined, along with lawful and bona fide occupancy needs for tenants to avoid unnecessary land conflicts amidst expanding commercial agriculture.