Kanungu, Uganda – The Office of the President Kanungu District has issued a clarification on the role of Local Council I (LCI) chairpersons in land sales, following concerns over their involvement in transactions.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The communication, addressed to local government officials and law enforcement agencies, seeks to curb misconceptions and abuses.
In a letter dated August 4, 2025, signed by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju, the office emphasized that Ugandan law does not require LCI chairpersons to sign land sale agreements or related documents.
While LCI chairpersons may assist in land transactions such as providing guidance, identifying boundaries, or acting as witnesses their signatures are not legally binding for the validity of such transactions.
Deputy RDC Rugaju acknowledged that LCI leaders play a crucial community role in facilitating land deals but warned against misinterpretations of their authority.
Some chairpersons, he noted, wrongly assume their signatures are mandatory or charge illegal fees, practices that have no legal basis.
The letter further advised buyers to conduct due diligence, including verifying land ownership, confirming boundaries, and consulting legal professionals to ensure secure transactions.
The clarification, issued amid rising land disputes and fraud cases in Kanungu District, also highlighted the essential role of lawyers in guiding buyers through proper land acquisition processes.
Authorities hope the move will enhance transparency, reduce exploitation, and protect the rights of both buyers and sellers in land dealings.
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