Can foreigners buy property in Uganda – Spectrum Real Estate Solutions (2024)

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Who is considered a foreigner in Uganda? A person is not resident if they do not meet the parameters for a resident individual. Or every person not born in Uganda

The rules about buying property in Uganda can vary for non-citizens, so you’ll need to double check the exact regulations before buying a property in Uganda. In general terms there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Uganda.

Depending on where you’re hoping to buy a property in Uganda, you may also find that there is an extra fee to pay as a foreign buyer. You only need to pay your taxes. Make sure you get the right professional advice to complete your purchase legally.

Property acquisition

Local investors and Ugandan citizens can own land while foreign investors are restricted to long term leases, usually from five to 99 years. The 1995 Constitution grants land ownership rights solely to citizens of Uganda. Foreigners cannot own land freehold. They may, however, obtain leases for 49 or 99 years. Foreign investors, individual or corporate, cannot acquire land for the purpose of crop or animal production. Foreigners can either rent/lease from citizens or from the Government.

How can foreigners own land or property in Uganda?

They can buy land or property like any other Ugandan but the difference is that they cannot hold own a private title and freehold interest but only leasehold. The law requires that for private title and freehold it should be owned a Ugandan or a Ugandan company. It comes from the Constitution that all land belongs to the people of Uganda so if you give freehold to a non Ugandan then you are taking away the land rights of the Ugandan people.

Also foreigners can own companies here without having to have Ugandan shareholders. That requirement is not there in the law at all. Except in the case where the company wants to own freehold land, then, the Ugandan interest should be at least 51% in the company.