Ask for written instructions
Purpose, amount, named recipient and account or number, in writing, for the specific matter.
Trust and safety centre
Verify the property, the people and the paperwork.
Most property losses in Uganda come from skipped checks, not bad luck. Use this page to work through the checks that matter before you commit money.
Interactive checklist
Tick each item as you confirm it.
Progress is kept on your device for this browsing session only. Nothing is sent to Earth Trust.
Safe payment practice
How money should move in a property matter.
Confirm directly
Call the office number on this website to confirm the instructions before paying. Do not rely on a forwarded message.
Pay to the confirmed recipient only
Never to a relative, a helper, a “new” number or anyone who says the usual account is unavailable today.
Keep the receipt
Obtain a receipt for every payment and keep it with the agreement it relates to.
Urgency
“Another buyer is coming this afternoon” is the most common pressure tactic. A genuine seller can wait for a title search.
Documents on a phone only
Photographs of a title are not evidence. Insist on seeing documents with the owner present and on an official search.
An owner who cannot be met
Overseas, unwell, travelling: whatever the reason, do not pay until the owner's identity and authority are verified through your lawyer.
A price well below the area
Very cheap land usually has a reason. Find the reason before you find the money.
Changing payment details
Any change to the recipient, account or number at the last minute should stop the transaction until confirmed in person.
Unsure about a property?
Talk it through before you commit.
Earth Trust can discuss which checks apply and which qualified professionals should be involved.