State Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, has petitioned the Anti-Corruption Unit at the State House to investigate more than 100 district land commission boards for their failure to adhere to the law by not publishing annual reports.
Mayanja revealed that over the past three consecutive years, he has officially communicated with the existing 126 boards to ensure they submit their annual reports by December 31, but his efforts have been in vain.
He emphasized that these boards are acting unlawfully by not reporting on crucial matters such as government land policy, leases, extensions, and reports from area committees.The reports are meant to contain critical information about transactions, board activities, achievements, challenges, and compliance with legal requirements.
The minister highlighted serious concerns about citizens losing land to fraudulent transactions, land grabbers, and unqualified area leaders due to the lack of accountability from the land commissions. He stressed that land is a vital asset for many Ugandans, both rich and poor.
He further explained that out of the 126 boards contacted, only about 20 have been responsive to the minister’s requests despite multiple reminders from the Ministry of Lands.
“I have recently written to Brig Gen Isoke, the head of State House Anti Corruption unit, requesting him to carry out investigations into the operations of the district land boards” he said
Adding that: “For the past three years I have written to them intially reminding of obligations to file accountability reports , its provided under section 60(3) of the land act.its the work of the ministry to oversee these reports because it shows details”
The Minister revealed that District Land Boards are constitutionally mandated to consider national and district council policies on land, and under the Land Act, and are required to prepare and publish annual reports by December 31 each year.
These reports are essential for the Ministry of Lands to oversee the boards’ compliance with land policies.
He noted that failure to publish annual reports not only hampers oversight by the Ministry of Lands but also prevents district councils from effectively carrying out their oversight role.
“These reports show that the boards in their operations were cognizant and took into account Article 237(1)of the act qhich notes that land belongs to the people.It must show how districts arrived at land rates charged on those with leases,licences and Busuulo” he noted
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