Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi emphasized the importance of adhering to legal regulations within local governance structures in a recent address to Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in Kampala on February 23, 2024. Specifically, Minister Magyezi cautioned against the imposition of unauthorized fees by local councillors (LCs) for the use of stamps in land transactions.
Expressing concern over reports of LCs charging fees as high as 10 percent for stamp endorsements on land transactions, Minister Magyezi clarified that no existing law supports such charges. He underscored that LCs receive official stamps from the government, equipped with security features, and should not levy fees for their use.
Highlighting the public outcry over unregulated taxes, Minister Magyezi stressed the seriousness of the matter, particularly in instances where significant sums of money are collected per transaction. He reminded attendees that any introduction of taxes or fees by districts must be communicated to the Ministry of Local Government in accordance with the Local Government Act, emphasizing that LCs lack the authority to impose charges for stamp usage.
Furthermore, Minister Magyezi cautioned cultural institutions against unlawful evictions of Local Government administrative units, citing violations of agreements between cultural institutions and the Central Government. He urged cultural leaders to engage in dialogue with the Ministry of Local Government for appropriate resolutions, such as rental agreements or compensation.
In addition to Minister Magyezi’s remarks, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya urged accountability among CAOs and town clerks. He encouraged transparency in reporting government initiatives and achievements, emphasizing the importance of highlighting positive contributions alongside addressing shortcomings during audits. Kumumanya challenged attendees to actively promote government programs, including those aimed at market improvement, educational and healthcare infrastructure, and community development initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.
