Parliament has authorized Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to lease out several prime plots in Kampala to private entities and organizations, despite concerns about transparency and incomplete documentation.
The decision was made during a plenary sitting on Thursday, 29 May 2025. Lawmakers approved the leasing of Plot 406 on Namirembe Road to the Buganda Kingdom and Plot M880, Offspring Road to a developer displaced by construction along the Nakivubo Channel.
Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kyofatogabye Kabuye, who presented the motion, said KCCA followed due procedures and all necessary approvals had been obtained. He added that leasing the land would spur development and boost revenue.
“Leasing of the land will help bring development to the city and help the authority to raise revenue and bring services to the people of Kampala,” Kabuye stated.
The minister also sought approval to lease:
- Plot M731, Old Kira Road to Youth Alive Uganda for office development.
- Plot 02, Kenneth Close in Kamwokya to Pinnacle Concept for a furniture showroom.
- Plots M69 and M70 in Lugogo to the Mengo Tree Fraternity.
However, the Committee on Physical Infrastructure opposed the leasing of three plots, citing lack of documentation. Plots M69 and M70 in Lugogo and Plot 02, Kenneth Close lacked valuation reports from the Office of the Government Valuer. Plot M731, Old Kira Road, had no documentation from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Muhamad Nsegumire (NRM, Mityana North), said the missing documents hindered full approval.
“The committee recommends that Parliament authorises KCCA to lease plots 406, Namirembe Road and M880, Offspring Road and urges KCCA to fast-track valuation of plots 02 Kenneth Close in Kamwokya and M69 and M70 in Lugogo,” Nsegumire told the House.
He also urged KCCA to secure clearance from the Finance Ministry before leasing Plot M731, Old Kira Road.
Tony Ayoo (NRM, Kwania County) supported the committee’s position but warned against violations of the Public Finance Management Act. “Many plots and public land have been disposed without following the law. A lot of land has been disposed fraudulently,” he cautioned.
While the approved leases aim to generate revenue and support urban development, lawmakers emphasized the need for stricter adherence to legal procedures and transparency in the management of public land.
