An Examination Of Women's Property Rights, Post 1995 Constitution In Uganda. A Case Study Of Busia District.

ABSTRACT

Although the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and other International

Conventions to which Uganda ratified give protection to women among other persons

against abuse of their rights enforcement of those statutory provisions is difficult as

they conflict on specific provisions towards women.

According to this study, the problems that women face stem from socio-economic

aspects. This study was carried out with the hope that it will enlighten and advance the

Understanding of women's property rights in Uganda as provided for in the laws as a

result of observation of the apparent injustice against women in particular the denial of

women to own property. The study emphasizes the need for women to have full rights

to property which signifies things having monetary value, especially with reference to

transfer or succession of property and things such as land, chattels, money, animals,

goods, stock, shares, securities, debt among others.

On the other hand, discrimination against women has its roots in culture and tradition

thus, unless there is change 'in the attitudes of men and women with regard to each

other's rights, there is no legislation that can achieve genuine gender equality. Further,

the concept of equality cannot be effective because of the higher illiteracy levels

amongst women and their low economic status which do not allow them even take

advantage of the positive elements of the law.

Therefore it was discovered that there is still a need to amend law and legislations which discriminate against women to ensure formal equity between men and women.