UGANDA, Mbarara | Real Muloodi News | The Chairperson of the Mbarara District Public Accounts Committee, Herbert Mutungi, has raised concerns about the potential loss of government funds allocated to primary schools in Mbarara because many lack land titles.
Mutungi highlighted a significant issue: 84 primary schools operating on lands owned by faith-based institutions do not possess land titles, jeopardising their claim to the property.
The lack of land titles poses a risk of encroachments and, consequently, the loss of government investments in these schools.
Despite consistent government funding for these institutions, the absence of land titles puts their ownership in question.
Mutungi emphasised the urgent need for the District Executive Committee, led by Chairperson Didas Tabaro, Chief Administrative Officer David Muhwezi, and District Education Officer Gabriel Ahimbisibwe, to engage with the foundation bodies of churches and mosques.
This engagement aims to facilitate the process of acquiring land titles, ensuring the secure occupancy of the schools on the respective lands.
An internal audit report revealed that all primary schools in Mbarara District face the threat of losing their lands due to the absence of land titles, particularly those under the foundation of the Church.
The report emphasised that despite previous appeals in audit reports, these schools operated without the necessary land titles.
The potential financial loss is substantial, with the government risking over 10 billion shillings invested in primary schools, considering the infrastructure developments, including classroom blocks and staff quarters.
The lack of land titles places these schools in a vulnerable position, regarded as squatters on church-owned land.
During a committee session, Gilbert Ahimbisibwe, the District Education Officer, confirmed that there had been no progress in acquiring titles for the schools.
He acknowledged the need to initiate discussions with relevant stakeholders, given the highlighted issue in the audit report.
Rt. Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Ankole Diocese Bishop, acknowledged the challenge, revealing that out of approximately 300 land titles needed by the diocese, only 24 are currently available.
Despite the current shortage, he assured that efforts are underway to ensure that all Church lands have titles within the next three years.
Fred Rugara, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, informed the committee that they were actively seeking funds to initiate the process of obtaining land titles for the schools.
The situation underscores the importance of securing proper documentation to protect the assets and investments of these educational institutions.
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