In a significant move towards transparent land governance, the Jinja City Council has approved the city’s Land Board Committee after a period of controversial appointments. The committee is tasked with overseeing the issuance of land titles to residents and leases for those undertaking developmental projects within the city.
Chaired by speaker Bernard Mbayo, the council approved the following members for the committee: Jamil Mukama Sanyu (Chairperson), Alex Luganda, Harriet Mirembe, Phillip Bogore (Uncle Philly), Barbra Munyaruguru, Muhammad Katuntubir, and Emmanuel Kamugisha Joram.
The approval process witnessed the presence of City Mayor Peter Alton Kasolo Okocha and Deputy Mayor Fazirah Kauma Babidaza, along with several councillors. The appointments had stirred mixed reactions both within the council and among the city’s residents.
The Inspector General of Government (IGG) had previously halted the approval of Land Board members, citing procedural issues in the board’s constitution. The Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, directed the council to cease discussions on the appointments, emphasizing adherence to the Local Government Act.
Speaking to journalists after the council session, Mayor Kasolo highlighted the crucial role of the land board, ensuring residents’ land ownership and generating revenue through land fees. He assured that the approved committee members would execute their duties transparently, safeguarding government land from encroachment.
Kasolo emphasized the board’s role in preventing unauthorized land transactions, noting that the city had lost over UGX 5 billion in the absence of a functioning land board over the past three years. With the new committee, residents can expect legitimate and valid land titles, and illegal payments will not be tolerated.
The mayor expressed concerns about irregularities during the tenure of the previous land board in Jinja district, cautioning individuals with existing titles to verify their documents with the new board.
Juma Ssozi, councilor representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Jinja City Council and the council’s secretary for works, highlighted the prevalence of controversies leading to land theft. Ssozi believes that the approved committee, comprising educated and skilled members, marks the end of land grabbing in Jinja city.
Deputy Speaker Sirina Kyakuwaire expressed optimism about addressing long-standing concerns related to land, appreciating the credibility and competence of the committee members.
