Rukungiri Landlords Demand Review of “Unfair” Property Rates, Seek Accountability

Rukungiri: Landlords and landladies in Rukungiri Municipality have demanded an urgent review of what they describe as unfair and illegal property rates, along with full accountability on how collected funds have been utilized.

The concerns were raised on March 25, during a press conference held at Virunga Gardens in Kafunjo Cell, Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality. The meeting was addressed by the Chairperson of the Landlords and Landladies Association, Robert Baguma Darius Tweyambe.

Speaking on behalf of fellow property owners, including Robert Begumanya Darius, Bernard Gumisiriza, Valentino Mugisha, Fred Rwamburara, Oliver Karahukayo, Lawrence Rwaboona, Denis Tibenderana, and Ben Rwakariza, Tweyambe expressed dissatisfaction with the municipality’s handling of property rates.

He noted that landlords are concerned about the recent aggressive enforcement of increased property rates through demand notices and other actions, which they say are based on unverified and unpublished valuation lists.

According to the association, the last known valuation was published in 2008 in Orumuri newspaper, where rates were negotiated and reduced to 3 percent following complaints and consultations with taxpayers.

The landlords outlined several concerns, including the lack of a valid and publicly available valuation list, failure to publish new rate notices, and the imposition of what they called exorbitant and unfair charges. They also accused the authorities of non-compliance with property tax fund provisions, improper collection methods, and lack of transparency.

They further claimed that despite demanding accountability since November 2011, no report has been provided on property rate collections and expenditures. They argued that property owners have not been involved in overseeing service delivery as required under Section 36(4) of the relevant laws.

The association warned that the current enforcement measures have already caused business closures, financial losses, and emotional distress among property owners, and could discourage further development in the municipality.

As a result, the landlords issued a 14-day ultimatum to the authorities with several demands. These include the immediate suspension of enforcement actions, a review of the current rates, and allowing payments based on the 2024/2025 rates.

They also want a comprehensive accountability report on all property tax collections and expenditures since 2011, involvement of the Landlords or Ratepayers Association in overseeing fund utilization and service delivery, and refunds for any excess payments collected, along with a waiver of penalties and interest.

The landlords emphasized that they are willing to pay property rates as long as they are lawfully assessed and transparently managed.

They warned that failure by the authorities to respond within the stipulated period could force them to seek legal redress, including court action for declarations, injunctions, and refunds.

The association has also called upon all stakeholders in Rukungiri District to take their concerns seriously and support efforts to ensure fairness and accountability in the management of property taxes.

By press time, the municipal authorities had not yet issued a statement.