UGANDA, Mbarara | Real Muloodi News | For generations, women in Uganda, particularly in Ankole culture, have faced significant barriers to property ownership.
Traditionally, property was controlled by the family head—typically a father or son—while women had limited rights to land and assets.
However, societal changes and economic empowerment programs have led to a shift in these norms. Today, many women in Mbarara City are independently acquiring land, rental properties, and businesses, marking a transformative era in women’s property ownership.
Changing Cultural Norms
Ms Angella Busingye, 56, a property owner in Kakiika, Mbarara City, recalls how traditional customs restricted women from owning land. “Owning property was limited to men. Women had to seek permission even to use family land,” she says.
This longstanding cultural bias meant that women who divorced or lost their husbands were often left without any financial security.
“When my husband died three years ago, his relatives tried to take some of our properties, but they were shocked to learn that several were in my name,” Busingye adds.
Economic Independence Through Property Ownership
The economic landscape in Mbarara City reflects this shift, with numerous women now investing in land, businesses, and rental units. Ms Tukamuhebwa, who separated from her husband 10 years ago, attributes her independence to property ownership.
“The issue that caused me to separate from my husband was financial mismanagement. I was working hard to improve our family’s livelihood, but he would take all my earnings and spend them irresponsibly,” she explains.
Determined to build a stable future, she secured a job at a household that allowed her to live with her children while saving money.
She began a business at Koranorya Market and later started saving through Amity Real Estate Company. Over time, she accumulated UGX 4.8 million, which she used to purchase land in Biharwe, Mbarara City North Division.
“I urge women to work hard and invest in property. Without financial security, life can be unpredictable,” she says.
Overcoming Challenges in Property Ownership
Despite the progress, many women still face challenges when attempting to purchase property. Ms. Aisha Nyonyozi, a businesswoman and rental property owner in Koranorya, notes that societal attitudes remain a hurdle.
“Although some men are supportive, many still feel insecure about women being financially independent,” she says. “When I bought my first plot of land and started building rentals, my husband was supportive, but some of his friends and family were not. He told me to ignore them and focus on our future.”
Nyonyozi saved through a women’s group at Koranorya Market, using her earnings to acquire land and build rental units. Today, her properties generate UGX 320,000 per month, which contributes to family development.
Similarly, Ms. Faith Victoria Ekaju, a street preacher in Mbarara, has been saving for land since 2001. She successfully purchased two plots, one for rental development and another for urban farming.
“I knew I needed a place to settle as I grew older. I saved UGX 10,000 whenever possible, and now I own two plots in Mbarara City,” she explains.
Financial Institutions and Real Estate Companies Supporting Women
Real estate companies and financial institutions play a crucial role in empowering women to own property. Mr. Herbert Tushabe, managing director of Amity Realtors, notes that women have shown remarkable resilience in property investment.
“Women are trustworthy and disciplined savers. We have clients who start saving as low as UGX 5,000 with a clear goal of acquiring land. Many have successfully bought properties, something that remains a challenge for many men due to financial irresponsibility,” he says.
However, he also points out a common issue: “Some men insist that property be registered in their names, even when women purchase. We need to continue sensitizing society about women’s rights to property ownership.”
Property Ownership and Legal Protection
Legal experts emphasize that securing property in one’s name is crucial for long-term financial stability. Ms Asia Asingwire, a high court employee in Mbarara, owns four plots of land and advises women to ensure proper legal documentation for their properties.
“I earn a modest salary, but disciplined saving has enabled me to buy land. Ownership means no one can take it from me,” she says.
Family counsellor Mr George Mutabazi acknowledges that while cultural biases persist, open communication within families can ease tensions.
“Women must explain their financial decisions to their spouses to prevent conflicts. Transparency and trust are key to maintaining harmony in property ownership,” he notes.
The Link Between Property Rights and Domestic Stability
Property ownership among women has also contributed to reducing economic dependency and improving family stability. However, disputes over property remain a leading cause of domestic violence in Uganda.
The Police Annual Crime Report 2023 revealed that out of 15,184 reported domestic violence cases, 10,792 victims were women.
The Rwizi region, which includes Mbarara, ranked third in domestic violence cases, recording 982 incidents. Many of these disputes were linked to disagreements over property rights and ownership.
Experts argue that financial empowerment through property ownership is a step towards addressing this issue. Mr. Alex Ariho, executive director of Excel Hort Consult Agribusiness Hub, believes that empowering women economically leads to broader societal benefits.
“When women own property, they can contribute significantly to family and community development. It is a catalyst for economic transformation,” he says.
The Future of Women’s Property Ownership in Uganda
Although significant progress has been made, more needs to be done to ensure that women can own and control property without restrictions. Increased legal awareness, financial literacy programs, and community sensitization are key to breaking cultural barriers.
Ms Mary Jennifer Nalwanga, a media personality in Mbarara, has managed to buy three plots in the last five years.
“I started saving UGX 20,000 regularly, and I now own three plots. Although I haven’t developed them yet, my goal is to build rentals and a family home,” she says.
Her story, like many others, highlights the resilience and determination of women who are rewriting the narrative on property ownership.
Women in Mbarara City and Uganda are increasingly gaining financial independence through property ownership. While cultural norms have historically restricted their rights, changing perspectives, legal protections, and economic empowerment programs are helping them overcome these barriers.
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