Ministry suspends LC I leaders’ role in land transactions during election period
Land transactions in many parts of Uganda often involve LC I chairpersons, who serve as witnesses to agreements, verify ownership claims and provide local administrative confirmation during property transactions.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has directed all Local Council I (LC I) chairpersons currently participating in election campaigns to temporarily refrain from handling land-related transactions until the electoral process is concluded.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the ministry said the measure is intended to safeguard the integrity of land transactions during the election period and reduce the risk of fraud, disputes and other irregularities that could arise while LC I leaders are actively campaigning.
The directive bars campaigning LC I chairpersons from participating in, witnessing, endorsing, recommending or overseeing any land transactions until the elections are completed.
The ministry advised members of the public not to rely on campaigning LC I chairpersons for services related to the sale or purchase of land, witnessing or endorsing land sale agreements, resolving boundary disputes, verifying land ownership or any other land transaction that ordinarily requires local administrative involvement.
According to the ministry, the temporary suspension is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting landowners and buyers from making decisions that could later become the subject of legal disputes.
“Where a land transaction is urgent, members of the public are encouraged to seek the services of qualified legal practitioners or use other lawful channels,” the ministry said.
Land transactions in many parts of Uganda often involve LC I chairpersons, who serve as witnesses to agreements, verify ownership claims and provide local administrative confirmation during property transactions.
However, the ministry cautioned that the ongoing election period could create circumstances that compromise the impartiality or availability of officials seeking re-election.
The ministry urged the public to exercise patience until the election process is concluded, saying the temporary measure would help prevent costly mistakes and safeguard the interests of all parties involved in land transactions.
It also thanked the public for their cooperation and encouraged anyone seeking clarification to contact the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development through its official communication channels.
The advisory comes as campaigns for the ongoing LC I elections draw to a close across the country, with thousands of villages preparing to elect new local council leaders.
