Uganda Land Commission launches land inventory as UEDCL secures $50 million loan

16 December 2025, 8:05 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Uganda Land Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 238 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, tasked with holding and managing all government land within and outside the country. The Commission is also responsible for administering the Land Fund in accordance with Article 42 of the Land Act, although the fund has not yet been fully operationalised.

Against this background, the Commission yesterday engaged journalists at the Uganda Media Centre during the launch of a Land Inventory System. The session was led by the Commission Chairperson, Tom Kasenge, who said the initiative aims to sensitise all occupants of government land to pay ground rent, while those occupying such land illegally are expected to regularise their stay or vacate.

The Secretary of the Commission, Andrew Nyumba, explained that the goal is to establish a complete and accurate record of all occupants on government land across the country. He noted that the Commission also addresses historical land injustices, particularly the compensation of absentee landlords created during the colonial period. Nyumba added that the exercise will be comprehensive and nationwide, beginning with a pilot phase in 16 major cities and municipalities, including Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Lira, Arua, Fort Portal and Kabale.

Kasenge further stated that the Commission plans to send reminders to all leaseholders on government land regarding ground rent payments and lease expiry dates, which will help increase revenue collection. He also pointed out that some freehold title holders do not pay any form of land-related taxes, urging compliance to enable the government to improve service delivery to citizens.

Meanwhile, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has signed a five-year loan agreement with Absa Bank Uganda worth 50 million US dollars, approximately 190 billion shillings.

The agreement was signed during a press conference at UEDCL headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala. The Chairperson of the UEDCL Board, Lydia Ochieng Obbo, who signed on behalf of the company, said the funding will significantly enhance Uganda’s electricity distribution network. She described the deal as timely, noting that the network has long been in need of financing. Obbo added that the agreement demonstrates confidence in UEDCL and government institutions, and sets a precedent for government agencies to borrow directly from the private sector.

Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director, David Wandera, said that as a pan-African bank with extensive experience in infrastructure and energy financing, Absa is committed to mobilising long-term capital to support Africa’s development ambitions.

The funds will be used to construct new electricity substations to improve reliability, upgrade and reinforce the distribution network, implement smart grid initiatives, reduce technical losses, unlock suppressed demand by the end of 2026, and support the integration of renewable energy, among other interventions.