Evaluating the impact of the intestate succession law in the enforcing of women’s land rights in rural areas. (case study Gomba district)

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of intestate succession law in the enforcing of women’s land rights in rural areas. Women in Uganda face numerous challenges in securing land rights such limited access to legal remedies and social barriers. Intestate succession law has been identified as a potential tool for promoting women’s land rights as it provides a framework for distributing property when an individual dies without a will. However, the effectiveness of this law in promoting women’s land rights in Uganda has not been evaluated. Using a qualitative study approach, this study examines the implementation of intestate succession law in Gomba district (Kabulasoke sub-county). The study employs qualitative data collection methods, including interviews and questionnaires. The findings reveal that while intestate succession law has the potential to promote women’s land rights, its implementation is hindered by various challenges, including inadequate legal awareness, traditional cultural practices and weak institutional capacity. The study recommends the development of targeted legal awareness programs, strengthening of institutional capacity, and reform of traditional cultural practices to improve the implementation of intestate succession law and promote women’s land rights in rural areas of Uganda. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on women’s land rights in Uganda and provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working in this field.