Politics 13 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
MPs Grill Departed Asians Property Board Over Missing Records and Fraud Risks
Uganda's Parliament has put the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board under scrutiny for incomplete asset registers, delayed sales, and fraud concerns more than 50 years after Idi Amin's expulsion of over 80,000 Asians. Lawmakers demanded a full verified inventory to avoid legal battles and revenue shortfalls. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4290/custodian-board-spot-over-departed-asian-properties-inventory
The Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB) faces renewed criticism from MPs over gaps in property documentation, stalled disposals, and potential fraud, decades after the 1972 expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin.
During a March 3, 2026, session of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE), chaired by Hon. Allan Mayanja, parliamentarians reviewed the Auditor General’s report for the year ending June 30, 2024. The audit highlighted an incomplete property register, overdue valuations, poor internal controls, and just one board meeting all year.
Set up by the Assets of Departed Asians Act, the board must keep a detailed assets register as per the 1973 Expropriated Properties Act, but MPs noted this duty has been ignored.
Hon. Richard Muhumuza Gafabusa questioned sales without a proper valued registry, while Hon. Juliet Kinyamatama urged proof of board-approved processes. Hon. Francis Mwijukye flagged ghost claims and unauthorized ministerial actions.
The Auditor General pointed out over 115 properties compensated via the British High Commission in 1999 remain unvalued, and 87 under UN framework are unsold, risking encroachments and revenue losses.
DAPCB Executive Secretary George William Bizibu admitted documentation shortcomings, blaming ongoing verifications and past parliamentary orders that paused the board’s dissolution during RAPEX reviews until a clear inventory exists.
Source: Parliament of Uganda