UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Independent reported that West Bidama MP Richard Othieno introduced a Bill in March seeking to regulate real estate agents in Uganda. It is currently being considered by Parliament.
Othieno observed that although Parliament passed the Landlord and Tenants Act in 2019, they left the real estate agents unregulated.
Most real estate agents charge commission for services rendered in the sale and purchase of properties. Othieno says that the absence of the law to govern real estate agents and dealers predisposes unsuspected buyers and sellers of property to some agents who act unethically.
Under normal circumstances, the Bill would have required the MP to present a financial implication certificate from the Finance Ministry, as provided for under section 76 (1) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 2015. Othieno claimed he had not received the certificate despite applying as early as September last year.
It is against this background that Othieno sought the Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah’s, intervention to allow him to proceed. Article 117 (4) of the Rules of Procedure and Section 76 (4) of the PFMA, 2015 supported the move, allowing him to table the Bill for the first reading without a certificate after 60 days of application. Oulanyah granted his plea while appealing to members to remind the ministry after applying for the certificate, so there would be evidence of denial.
Oulanyah then ruled that the Bill be sent to Parliament’s Physical Infrastructure Committee for expeditious handling for consideration by the House. It is currently being considered.
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