Ovino building landlords elect interim committee to address condominium ownership challenges

10 May 2026, 1:41 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following several meetings involving security agencies and other stakeholders aimed at resolving challenges faced by landlords under condominium ownership at Ovino Building, a section of landlords together with representatives from Tirupati yesterday held a meeting in Kampala where an interim committee for the building was elected.

The process was supervised by the leader of traders under the umbrella of the Federation of Uganda Traders Association, Kabanda John, on behalf of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC). Francis Kawooya was elected chairman.

Speaking during the meeting, one of the participants expressed satisfaction with the progress made and urged the newly elected committee members to remain firm during their 90-day tenure.

“I am happy that we have reached this far. I want to inform the committee members that you should be mindful of the challenges we are going to face during these 90 days. Let us be firm. When President Amin gave out Indian properties, especially buildings, the owners later reclaimed them when President Museveni came to power and the properties were returned to them. Many families that had occupied those buildings lost everything because they did not know their rights. Now, you bought your leases but are scared to demand for them. Please, let us wake up,” he said.

Similarly, while giving his remarks, interim overall supervisor Kabanda John appealed to landlords to remain available and supportive throughout the process.

“The 90 days are for working and investing in our money. During a previous meeting that was later cancelled, we spent over UGX 6 million. That is when I decided to wake up and take responsibility. We must work together for the betterment of this building,” he said.

Kabanda also noted that many landlords had not yet transferred ownership titles into their names, something he described as a serious mistake.

“I have realised that many landlords have not transferred their land titles into their names. It is wrong. Even me, some are still not in my names, though others are. You have to work on that,” he added.

Counsel representing Tirupati and other representatives declined to join the committee despite being given the opportunity.

Before witnessing the election process, counsel for the landlords first explained the legal meaning and structure of the body they were establishing under Uganda’s condominium laws, where every owner of a unit is entitled to one vote.

The interim committee elected solely by landlords is as follows:

Chairman — Francis Godfrey Kayiira

Treasurer — Joseph Sentaba

Publicity — Moses Rwegaba

Sanitation — Kimomwe Ismail

Defence — Faridah Namubiru

Faridah Namubiru will work alongside Nakito Jamirah, Ben Musinguzi, and Isaac Nekusa.

The landlords also elected Kabanda John as the overall supervisor and Ambassador Mohamed Daku as the committee supervisor.

The committee is expected to oversee improvements in hygiene and address other existing challenges affecting the building.