ManyaGuide How to do a land search in Uganda (UgNLIS, UGX 10,000)
Register at ugnlis.mlhud.go.ug, enter the plot details, pay UGX 10,000. Shows the owner, mortgages and caveats.
Before you buy land in Uganda, always do an official land search. It tells you who the registered owner is and whether the land has a mortgage, caveat or other claim. It costs only UGX 10,000 and can save you millions.
What a land search shows
- Registered owner's name
- Size and location (block and plot, or volume and folio)
- Encumbrances: mortgages, caveats (someone claiming an interest), court orders
- Map/cadastral information
How to do a land search online
- Go to the UgNLIS public portal at ugnlis.mlhud.go.ug and create an account (there is also a mobile app).
- Enter the land details: volume and folio (for titles), or county, block and plot number.
- Generate a PRN and pay UGX 10,000 at a bank or by mobile money.
- View the results and request an official search statement if you need a printed copy.
You can also do the search in person at the Ministry Zonal Office (MZO) that covers the land.
Land search fees
| Service | Fee (UGX) |
|---|---|
| Land search | 10,000 |
| Perusal (viewing the file) | 5,000 |
Source: Ministry of Lands service cost schedule, May 2025.
Warning: a photocopy of a title is not proof of ownership. Fraudsters make fake titles that look real. Only the official search confirms who owns the land.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a land search in Uganda?
UGX 10,000 per search.
Can I do a land search on my phone?
Yes, using the UgNLIS portal or app, paying with mobile money via PRN.
What is a caveat on land?
A caveat is a warning registered on a title by someone who claims an interest in the land. It can block the sale until it is removed.
Fees and codes change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.