Masindi Council Approves Transfer of Kyema Technical College Land Title

What the report says

Masindi District Council has approved a plan to transfer the land title for Uganda Technical College Kyema from the district local government to the college, according to Nile Post. The decision was taken during an ordinary council sitting on Tuesday at the district headquarters in Masindi. Supporters of the move said the change would give the institution more autonomy and improve its ability to access development funding for new facilities.

The resolution was introduced by district Vice Chairperson Bright Mugume, who said the current ownership arrangement had limited the college’s ability to attract support from development partners. College community liaison officer Jack Stanley Ovua said the school has about 1,200 students but lacks enough classrooms and accommodation, forcing some teaching spaces to be used as dormitories and tents to serve as classrooms. He said the institution had also missed funding opportunities, including from the World Bank, because it did not have full autonomy.

Some councillors objected, arguing that the matter needed more consultation and due diligence before any transfer was finalized. Charles Olema and others asked for more time to assess the implications, while Isaac Bongomin suggested the district should retain part of the 69-acre property for future use. Speaker Patrick Timbigamba said a memorandum of understanding would be signed to protect the district’s interests and involve stakeholders after the resolution. The vote passed by majority, but several councillors walked out in protest, reflecting continued disagreement over how the land should be managed.