The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has directed all LC I chairpersons participating in the ongoing village council elections to stop handling land transactions until the electoral process is concluded.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the ministry said the temporary suspension is intended to protect the integrity of land transactions during the election period and reduce the risk of fraud, disputes and other irregularities.
Under the directive, campaigning LC I chairpersons have been advised not to participate in, witness, endorse, recommend or oversee any land-related transactions until the elections are completed.
The ministry also warned the public against relying on LC I chairpersons who are actively campaigning for services involving the sale or purchase of land, witnessing or endorsing land agreements, resolving boundary disputes, verifying land ownership or handling any other land transaction requiring local administrative involvement.
“This advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure to safeguard the integrity of land transactions during this transition period and to minimise the risk of disputes, fraud or other irregularities that may arise,” the ministry said.
The ministry advised members of the public with urgent land matters to seek the services of qualified legal practitioners or use other lawful channels until the election process ends.
It further urged the public to exercise patience, saying the temporary measure is intended to prevent costly mistakes and protect the interests of all parties involved in land transactions.
The directive comes as campaigns for the LC I elections draw to a close across the country, with thousands of candidates seeking election to village leadership positions.
