KAMPALA WELCOMES NEW AREA LAND COMMITTEES

The newly appointed members of the Area Land Committee in Kampala City have officially taken their oath of office.

On Tuesday members from the Divisions of Nakawa, Kawempe, and Rubaga took the oath during a ceremony held at the Lord Mayor’s Parlor.

However, members from Makindye and Kampala Central divisions will take their oath early next month.

The committee, from Kawempe Division is led by Mr. Johnbosco Mayinja, with members including Rev Godfrey Luswata, Stella Mugerwa, Achilles Byaruhanga, and Paul Oyiwa.

In Nakawa Division, the Land Area Committee is chaired by John Musede, supported by Alex Rovans Lwanyaga, Stella Kiryowa, Sophia Busingye, and Ibrahim Nsereko.

Meanwhile, the Rubaga Division committee is headed by Hamdan Kigozi Semugooma, with members Prossy Nabatanzi, Jordan Mugerwa, Patrick Mbazira, and Deo Mbabazi.

The swearing-in ceremony was graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, his Deputy Doreen Nyanjura, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Council Speaker Zahara Luyirika, and her deputy Nasur Masaba.

The Mayor of Nakawa, Paul Mugambe, and Rubaga Mayor Zacchy Mberaze also attended the event.​

Section 64 of the Land Act of 1998, Cap.227 outlines the establishment of Area Land Committees in urban council Divisions.

These committees, as per the Land Act, serve in an advisory capacity to the board on land-related matters, including determining land rights.

Working under the supervision of district Land Boards, they play a crucial role in recommending individuals for land acquisition after thorough due diligence.

According to the Land Act, committee members serve a three-year term and may be eligible for reappointment for one additional term.

However, premature termination is possible if a member fails to perform their duties or for a valid cause determined by the district council.

Lukwago in his remarks emphasized the importance of serving the public diligently and warned against involvement in fraudulent land transactions. He reminded committee members that their role is advisory, urging them to conduct themselves with integrity.

He wished the committee a term free of corruption and imprisonment, urging them to take their roles seriously.

Nyanjura emphasized the mandate of the board and urged the members not to overstep those boundaries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the people's trust and protecting the land.