Landlords in Rukungiri Municipality have called for an urgent reassessment of property rates they deem unjust and unlawful, while demanding transparency in how collected revenues have been utilized.
The concerns were raised during a press briefing held at Virunga Gardens in Kafunjo Cell, Eastern Division, led by Robert Baguma Darius Tweyambe, Chairperson of the Landlords and Landladies Association.
Speaking on behalf of property owners, Tweyambe expressed frustration over the municipality’s management of property taxes, citing forceful enforcement and unclear valuation methods.
“The municipality has relied on valuation lists that have neither been verified nor made public, yet demand notices and penalties continue to be issued,” Tweyambe said.
The landlords highlighted several issues, including the absence of an updated and accessible valuation roll, failure to officially communicate new rates, and excessive charges introduced without proper consultation. They also criticized collection methods and the lack of accountability regarding the use of property tax funds.
“Since November 2011, authorities have not provided any report detailing property tax collections or expenditures. Property owners are systematically excluded from monitoring service delivery, contrary to legal requirements,” Tweyambe added.
The current enforcement practices, he said, have led to business shutdowns, financial strain, and emotional stress among landlords.
As a result, the association issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding an immediate halt to ongoing enforcement actions and a review of the current property rates, with permission to pay based on 2024/2025 rates.
They also called for a full accountability report covering property tax revenues and expenditures since 2011, inclusion of the association in overseeing fund usage and service delivery, and refunds for any overpayments alongside the cancellation of penalties and interest charges.
The landlords reiterated their willingness to pay taxes, provided they are fair and transparent. Tweyambe cautioned that failure to address these concerns may compel them to seek legal redress, including court orders for compensation.
The association also called on stakeholders across Rukungiri District to support their push for fairness and accountability in property taxation. Efforts to obtain a comment from municipal authorities were unsuccessful.
