MPs Demand Answers Over Land Allocated to Investors

Kampala, Uganda – Parliament has directed the Uganda Investment Authority to explain how public land is allocated to investors, following concerns that some beneficiaries are acquiring land intended for investment before selling it for profit.

The concerns were raised by Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) during a meeting with officials from the Uganda Investment Authority led by Director General Robert Mukiza.

Lawmakers asked the agency to provide a detailed report on all land allocated to investors, including the criteria used in selecting beneficiaries and the measures in place to ensure the land is used for its intended purpose.

Committee members questioned whether the authority was effectively monitoring investors after allocating land, amid claims that some recipients had failed to establish the promised investment projects.

Instead, legislators heard that some investors had allegedly sold land they obtained at no cost under government investment incentives, raising concerns about possible abuse of the programme.

The committee said its inquiries were prompted by issues highlighted in the Auditor General’s report, which questioned aspects of land allocation and oversight by the Uganda Investment Authority.

Members of Parliament sought clarification on whether the authority had mechanisms to recover land from investors who fail to honour their commitments or who transfer it to third parties without completing the agreed projects.

They also asked the agency to account for the total acreage allocated, identify the beneficiaries and explain how investment proposals are evaluated before land is granted.

Uganda has long used land incentives to attract domestic and foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture and industrial development. Investors are often allocated land in industrial parks and other designated areas on the understanding that they will establish projects that create jobs, generate exports and contribute to economic growth

However, concerns have periodically emerged that some beneficiaries fail to develop the land, leaving it idle or transferring it for commercial gain.

Lawmakers argued that such practices, if confirmed, undermine the government’s investment objectives and deny genuine investors access to land needed for productive projects.

Uganda Investment Authority is expected to submit the requested documentation and explain the procedures it follows when allocating land to investors.

The committee is likely to continue its scrutiny as part of Parliament’s oversight role, with members expected to determine whether reforms are needed to strengthen accountability and ensure public resources are used for their intended purpose.