Mbarara Primary Schools Urged to Secure Land Titles for Government Funding

Concerns have been raised in Mbarara, Western Uganda, about the potential loss of government funds allocated to primary schools due to the absence of land titles. Herbert Mutungi, Chairperson of the Mbarara District Public Accounts Committee, pointed out that despite ongoing government funding, 84 primary schools situated on land owned by faith-based institutions lack the necessary land titles for proof of ownership.

Mutungi urged the District Executive Committee, led by Chairperson Didas Tabaro, Chief Administrative Officer David Muhwezi, and District Education Officer Gabriel Ahimbisibwe, to collaborate with churches, mosques, and other foundation bodies to facilitate the process of obtaining land titles. An internal audit report highlighted the risk of all primary schools in the Mbarara district losing their lands to encroachments.

According to the report, primary schools under the Foundation of the Church have persistently operated without land titles despite previous audit reports urging action. The government, at risk of losing over 10 billion shillings invested in these schools, considers them as occupying church land without legal documentation.

Gilbert Ahimbisibwe, the District Education Officer, confirmed the absence of any ongoing process to acquire titles for the schools. He emphasized the need for discussions with relevant stakeholders to address the highlighted issue.

Rt. Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Ankole Diocese Bishop, acknowledged the challenge and disclosed that out of approximately 300 needed land titles for the diocese, only 24 are currently available. He assured efforts to address the situation within the next three years.

Fred Rugara, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, mentioned ongoing efforts to secure funds for initiating the title acquisition process.