By Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, March 27, 2024 | The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development has rolled out new measures aimed at mitigating fraud in the processing of special certificates of titles under Section 70 of the Registration of Titles Act, Cap.230.
In an internal memo circulated to ministry officials on March 27, 2024, Acting Clerk Mugaino Baker highlighted concerns over the abuse of Section 70, which has led to fraudulent activities.
Mugaino stated, “As a result of many complaints, the Ministry has initiated extra administrative mechanisms such as requiring a police report confirming the loss of title to enable potential criminal liability due to misrepresentation by registered owners.”
Additionally, the Ministry has introduced the use of National Identity Cards, passports, and Local Council One introduction letters to verify the physical appearance of property owners. The Land Information System now includes sending message alerts to registered addresses and phone numbers of owners, with the linkage of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to identify registered owners with their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
To streamline the process and address objections promptly, Mugaino emphasized that any physical objection to the creation of a special certificate of title should be directed to the Ministry’s Zonal Office Registrar of Titles. This approach aligns with the Ministry’s decentralization policy of land registration.
These measures have been implemented in response to a surge in fraudulent activities, including false claims of stolen titles and impersonation of property owners. The Ministry has noted cases where special certificates of titles were issued for mortgaged properties, with applicants falsely claiming that titles were stolen to avoid bank interests. Additionally, there have been instances of individuals impersonating registered property owners and engaging in fraudulent sales of land to multiple parties. After these fraudulent transactions, the perpetrators acquire special certificates of title to undermine the interests of legitimate purchasers.
By adopting these strategies, the Ministry aims to uphold the integrity of the land registration process and ensure that property rights are protected for all citizens. These initiatives are expected to enhance transparency, integrity, and trust in property transactions, ultimately benefiting property owners and stakeholders across the country.
