diff --git a/datalad_next/commands/ls_file_collection.py b/datalad_next/commands/ls_file_collection.py
index f06d6f9c..d39b3d26 100644
--- a/datalad_next/commands/ls_file_collection.py
+++ b/datalad_next/commands/ls_file_collection.py
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ def custom_result_renderer(res, **kwargs):
         # stick with numerical IDs (although less accessible), we cannot
         # know in general whether this particular system can map numerical
         # IDs to valid target names (think stored name in tarballs)
-        owner_info = f'{res["uid"]}:{res["gid"]}' if 'uid' in res else ''
+        owner_info = f'{res["uid"]}:{res["gid"]}' if res.get('uid') else ''
 
         ui.message('{mode} {size: >6} {owner: >9} {hts: >11} {item} ({type})'.format(
             mode=mode,