UGANDA, Jinja | Real Muloodi News | Jinja City is losing an estimated USh20 billion annually due to a prolonged land-committee absence in its Southern Division, officials say. The lack of a statutory committee has crippled land administration, delayed titling, and discouraged investors seeking to develop property in the city.
City Speaker Bernard Mbayo said the absence of the Area Land Committee has left several land transactions pending, blocking revenue that could have been generated through leases, transfers, and property development approvals.
“We cannot continue losing such significant amounts when we have capable people ready to serve,” Mbayo said.
To address the challenge, the council recently swore in four members to serve on the new committee: Isaac Mudhola as chairperson, Issa Mwehenzi Kukunda, Musa Wanda, and Zurah Mutesi. Their appointment followed months of administrative delays that left public-land titling and oversight activities at a standstill.
Town Clerk Moses Otimong urged the new members to act transparently and avoid illegal dealings. He emphasized that the committee’s priority should be securing titles for government land, including schools, health facilities, and public offices. He warned that any member found approving fraudulent transactions would be held personally accountable.
City Mayor Peter Kasolo said the committee’s work is critical to restoring investor confidence.
“Investors want reassurance that land titles are secure and institutions are functioning,” he said. Kasolo cautioned against backdating land titles or converting ownership into freehold without due process, noting that such practices undermine credibility and deter development.
Under Uganda’s Land Act of 1998, Area Land Committees are mandated to verify land ownership, inspect boundaries, and recommend applications for leases or freehold titles before approval by District Land Boards. Without such committees, land administration is delayed, leading to loss of public revenue and increased disputes over ownership and boundaries.
The lack of a functioning committee since Jinja attained city status in 2020 has also fueled disputes and informal sales, leading to irregular allocations and lost revenue. With the new committee in place, officials hope to recover lost income and streamline the city’s land management systems.
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