IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOODS OF MEN AND WOMEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY CORRUPT PRACTICES IN LAND ADMINISTRATION AND LAND DEALS IN UGANDA A Presentation by Gerald Padde Auku, Peter Wandera, Lilian Zawedde, Frances Birungi Odong– TIU at the “2016 WORLD BANK CONFERENCE ON LAND AND POVERTY” The World Bank - Washington DC, March 14-18, 2016

Transparency International Uganda (TIU) TIU is the national chapter of Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption. Promote good governance-defined as Transparency, Integrity and Accountability. Formed in 1993, envisions a society in which the daily lives of the people are free from corruption while enjoying their rights and basic services. Focuses on 1) Transparency & accountability in service delivery, 2) deepening Democracy & Political Accountability and 3) Transparency & accountability in Public/ Extractive industries.

Focus of presentation About Transparency International Uganda. Gender, Land Administration, Land Corruption and Women in Uganda. Lessons learned. Recommendation. Conclusion.

Introduction In 2014 TIU together with Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Child Welfare (UCOBAC) and other partners undertook study to identify and highlight the challenges directly affecting women, men, and other vulnerable groups on access, distribution and usage of land. Covered 5 sub counties in Mukono District in Uganda involving 10 FGDs and 120 household interviews and. Findings revealed that men and women do not equally access formal land rights, despite the excellent formal legal framework In Uganda.

Gender, Land Administration, Land Corruption and Women in Uganda. There are disparities and inconsistencies between law and practice especially the customary and statutory laws. Women’s access to land is restricted by lack of implementation of existing laws, by customary law, traditional and social practices, norms and power structures within communities and households. Bribery occurs in the land administration and law enforcement offices hinder access services in the land offices in Uganda. Violence against women and discriminatory laws governing inheritance result into women being excluded from land ownership.

Gender, Land Administration, Land Corruption and Women in Uganda. Land tenure. Customary and statutory laws have been the largest problem for women which laws have not been consistently implemented. Little knowledge of their land rights has compelled women fail to secure their rights to land and property – only 19% of the women own land titles. Women often are unable to access services in the land offices - not aware of their land and property rights, and because they are asked for bribes. Land management institutions challenges create delays and inefficiencies in land ownership.

Why corruption adversely affect women land ownership Women have difficulty getting titles under their names Lack bribes necessary to get titlesWomen unaware of land rightsDelays in land application processCan not read and write Women rarely have rights to land Women are economically handicapped Girls often do not inherit land Don’t have time to chase land related issues Have to pay bribe

Case Study: Refusal to pay bribe for letter of administration. Leontina Asaba a 41 year old widowed of six children in Kiyuuni village could not properly grieve for her late husband. She was forced off husband properties after 3 months after selling the vehicle and taking over 3 commercial houses and order police for her arrest. She received counseling, legal advice on how to obtain ownership of properties left from TIU partners. Encountered land official asking for bribes, in-laws refusing to turn up for meetings aimed at stalling case. It took 1 ½ years to obtained the Letter of Administration and now uses the land to grow beans, maize, groundnuts and bananas that they feed on as a family and the surplus is sold for more income.

Disseminated study findings to 90 stakeholders for effective action. Trained 40 women groups and CBOs in Women, Land and Corruption to assist others on land rights. Organized and conducted dialogue sessions with community members and land administration officials to remove local barriers in land administration. TIU efforts to remedy situation so far

Signing of MOUs with key stakeholders. Follow meetings Media advocacy Organize national dialogues to discuss issues on WLC Stakeholders mapping

Advocate for policy reforms to address the disparity that affects women access, use and owning land. Train community watchdogs and paralegals to protect women’s rights at the local level. Awareness creation through community dialogues and media outreaches on land rights. Capacity building of stakeholders on land rights and entrepreneur skills. Develop and disseminate abridged version of land act procedures and processes. Recommendations

Conclusion There exists several gender inequalities barriers limiting access and ownership of land. Poor land management operations ultimately creates opportunities for corruption. Women’s economic empowerment is essential in promoting equality between women and men. There is need to promote equal access to and control over economic resources and opportunities.

Appreciation Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Child Welfare Ministry of Land Transparency International Mukono District Local Government.