CCHCL
Church Land & LIMS Guide
How dioceses and parishes can document, protect and register Church land.
Protecting the Land the Church Serves From
Church land carries schools, health units, churches and future investment. Land without clear documents is exposed to encroachment, boundary disputes and loss.
CCHCL supports the Church of Uganda's nationwide campaign to secure title for Church property and leads training on the Land Information Management System (LIMS), a digital register of Church land across all 39 dioceses.
From Parcel to Secure Title
Appoint a land focal person
Each diocese nominates a responsible officer — usually the diocesan secretary or estates officer — to coordinate land records and liaise with CCHCL.
List every parcel
Compile an inventory of all parishes, schools, health units and other sites, noting location, approximate size, current use and who occupies it.
Gather the evidence
Collect titles, lease offers, gift or transfer deeds, sale agreements, consent letters, meeting minutes, maps and photographs for each parcel.
Record it in LIMS
Enter each parcel with its documents and status (titled, in process, untitled, disputed) so gaps and risks are visible to the diocese and the Province.
Survey and apply for title
For untitled land, engage a registered surveyor and follow the applicable registration process, with support from CCHCL's lands and legal officers.
Resolve disputes early
Report encroachment or boundary disputes promptly. Early mediation with documented evidence protects the Church's interest.
Keep records current
Update LIMS whenever a title is issued, land is leased or developed, or a boundary changes. Review the register at least once a year.
Document Checklist per Parcel
- Certificate of title or lease offer (if any)
- Deed of gift, transfer or sale agreement
- Parish or diocesan council minutes approving acquisition or use
- Survey report and deed plan or sketch map
- Letters from local council or neighbours confirming boundaries
- Photographs of the land, buildings and boundary marks
- Records of any lease, licence or occupancy by third parties
This guide is general information to help dioceses organise their records. For legal advice on a specific parcel, contact CCHCL's legal officer or a qualified advocate.