UGANDA, Lyantonde | Real Muloodi News | Occupants leasing land from the Lyantonde District Local Government are facing uncertainty as their leases expire, potentially jeopardising their occupancy rights.
Out of the 53 leases granted to individual tenants, a total of 44 have already expired, prompting concerns among those affected.
The district’s headquarters, situated on a 49-acre parcel of land, accommodates these tenants who hold commercial and residential plots, subject to annual nominal ground rent (Busuulu) of USh200,000 and USh150,000, respectively, along with a premium ranging from USh2 million to USh1.5 million.
Mr Simon Kamya, the lands management officer for Lyantonde District, disclosed that despite the district’s efforts to remind lease beneficiaries to fulfil their rent obligations, none have complied with the directive.
He emphasised that failure to remit lease payments prompted the district to consider cancelling leases, prompting some tenants to initiate payments belatedly.
Explaining the significance of land leasing, Mr Kamya highlighted that it provides tenants with legal permission to utilise land owned by the district for various purposes, including commercial, residential, and agricultural activities.
He cited Section 102 of the Registration of Titles Act, empowering the district to repossess land from lessees failing to pay premiums.
Mr Bony Ashaba, a current tenant, expressed his ongoing efforts to renew his lease but raised concerns about potential overcharging despite fulfilling his financial obligations.
He stressed the need for a streamlined payment process and transparent accounting mechanisms to mitigate future disputes.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr Ezra Bwebale Mugenyi, the district secretary for production, urged sitting tenants to expedite lease renewal processes to enable the district to resume revenue collection promptly.
He emphasised the financial implications of delays in lease renewals, highlighting the importance of expeditious action to prevent revenue losses.
Currently, the aggregate unpaid ground rent owed by sitting tenants amounts to USh41 million, underscoring the financial impact of non-compliance with lease terms.
The origins of the land housing the district headquarters trace back to its procurement from Ms Joyce Byendozo in 1993, before Lyantonde’s establishment as a distinct district separate from Rakai District.
Despite the land’s transfer to the district’s name in 2006 upon Lyantonde’s district status, Ms Byendozo disputes the transaction, contesting the district’s ownership and challenging its land title in Masaka High Court.
The contested land, measuring 49 acres and located in Kabula on Block 76, Plot 50, forms the focal point of the legal dispute.
Ms Byendozo claims residency on the land since the early 1970s, alleging government appropriation of a portion during the Obote II regime without due compensation.
She further contends that government infrastructure, including agricultural and sub-county offices, was constructed on her land without payment of nominal ground rent.
Additionally, Lyantonde District faces encroachment issues on another parcel of land spanning 242 acres in Makukulu Village, situated 20 kilometres outside Lyantonde Town, highlighting broader land management challenges faced by the local government.
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