Name of the Asset | In-Between Marginality and Socially Constructed-Urban Survival (IBM-SCUS): Assessing the Potential of Local-Centric Models for Education, Health, and Welfare of Street-Connected Children in Kampala
Type of Asset | Research
Date | June 2026
DOI | 10.69814/wp/2026119
SUMMARY
This technical report delves into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban land conflict management and tenure security within the Lusanja and Ssekanyonyi informal settlements in the Kampala City Region, Uganda. The pandemic highlighted and exacerbated longstanding urban land inequalities, particularly in these informal areas, where insecure tenure, overcrowding, and inadequate services heightened vulnerability to both health risks and eviction effects. The research involved 211 respondents, revealing a predominantly female population, comprising 66% of participants, while 34% identified as male. Age-wise, the majority of respondents fell into the 36 to 60 years category, making up 54% of those surveyed. A striking 98% of residents in these settlements are migrants, primarily originating from other districts (86%), and a significant portion reported moving to Lusanja with the intention to buy land and build homes (60%). Key findings demonstrated that 81% of respondents own land, yet the majority of plots are small, with 92% measuring less than 50 by 100 feet, indicative of the high population density and limited space available. While 78% of respondents reportedly possess formal documentation verifying their land ownership, gaps remain in the enforcement of tenure rights, leaving residents vulnerable to disputes and dispossession. The prevalence of land conflict is alarming, as 87% of respondents reported involvement in disputes primarily tied to issues of ownership (81%) and fraudulent evictions (30%). Most conflicts occur between different communities (79%), showcasing the systemic nature of these challenges. The landscape of these conflicts involves various actors, including residents, local leaders, and landlords, indicating a community-centric dynamic. The impacts of COVID-19 on these informal settlements were profound. Food security suffered greatly, with 89% of respondents unable to purchase adequate food during the crisis, leading to significant reliance on reduced meal sizes (66%) and fewer meals per day (79%). Economic repercussions of both the land conflict and the pandemic included cash losses reported by 77% of respondents and destruction of shelters for 69%, revealing the devastating effects of the pandemic and conflict on livelihoods. The overlay of health crises with ongoing land issues led to delays in legal proceedings, with 42% of court processes suspended, further complicating residents' efforts to assert their land rights. Despite these challenges, community engagement has remained a vital aspect of addressing land governance. Approximately 63% of respondents indicated awareness of land tenure laws, although only 38% felt these laws were effectively enforced. Corruption emerged as a prominent barrier to securing land rights, affecting 57% of those surveyed. Engagement in land governance processes was notably proactive, with 68% of respondents participating in community meetings regarding land issues. Finally, the study emphasizes the complexity of land conflicts in Lusanja and Ssekanyoni, asserting that addressing these issues requires more than legal or administrative fixes. The intertwining of the COVID-19 pandemic with existing vulnerabilities has made it clear that integrated, participatory, and responsive land governance frameworks are essential to prioritize the rights of marginalized groups. The findings highlight an urgent need for policy reforms and the development of practical mechanisms that not only enhance tenure security but also support vulnerable populations and build resilient urban environments in informal settlements.
AUTHOR | Hakimu Sseviiri, Jacob Muruhukye, Disan Byarugaba
COUNTRY AND/OR REGION | Uganda
PROGRAMME | Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC)
FUNDER(S) | Ministry of Finance, Government of Japan through the World Bank
