VALUATION COURT SESSIONS LAUNCHED IN MAKINDYE TO ADDRESS PROPERTY TAX CONCERNS

The eagerly awaited Valuation Court sessions have been launched in Makindye Division, aimed at addressing over 1,800 property tax concerns.

The launch event, held at the Makindye Division headquarters, was officiated by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and led by Samuel Muyizi Mulindwa, the Chairperson of the Valuation Court.

The Valuation Court, a judicial platform established to resolve property tax disputes, has powers akin to a Magistrate’s Court. It provides a fair and impartial system for property owners to seek redress over tax concerns, including disputes over valuations and requests for tax exemptions.

According to Muyizi, the Court is committed to a “people-centered” approach that ensures justice in property tax matters, stating that “property rates are the lifeline for Kampala,” and the court will work to ensure fairness in how these rates are set.

Property rates have become a critical revenue source for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), generating UGX 56 billion out of a total of UGX 115 billion collected citywide in the 2023/24 fiscal year.

Representing KCCA Executive Director Frank Rusa, Acting Director of Revenue Collection Ezra Ssebufu highlighted the success of Makindye’s property tax collection efforts, noting a steady increase in revenue over recent years, with UGX 16 billion collected in the 2023/24 fiscal year.

MP Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West) commended the Valuation Court for its work, emphasizing the need to educate residents on property rates.

He urged local leaders, particularly LC I chairpersons, to ensure fairness and to halt the practice of charging residents for letters needed to support their cases.

Derrick Nyeko, MP for Makindye East, expressed satisfaction with the court’s move to operate locally within the division, calling it “a positive arrangement that brings justice closer to the people.”

The court will now begin reviewing the grievances of property owners who object to their property valuations. It has the authority to reassess tax rates based on the arguments presented and to make adjustments where deemed necessary. Decisions made by the Valuation Court are binding and can only be reviewed by the High Court, reinforcing the integrity of the process.

Local leaders and representatives, including Shamim Malende, Woman MP for Kampala, KCCA Authority Speaker Zahara Luyirika and Charles Luba Lwanga, Speaker of Makindye Division, expressed their support. They underscored the importance of fair property valuation for justice, with representatives from Buganda Kingdom represented also in attendance, advocating for fair taxation for the subjects.

The launch of the Valuation Court sessions in Makindye marks a significant step forward for Kampala’s property tax system, empowering residents to resolve disputes locally and access a more transparent tax process.