New city clerk told Jinja’s land issues cannot be ignored

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Jinja City welcomed its new city clerk with optimism, but the celebrations were tempered by stern warnings about unresolved land disputes and pending court cases that continue to weigh on the city’s administration.

Moses Otimong, who was appointed by the Ministry of Local Government, was officially introduced to council leaders and staff on August 15, 2025. His arrival was marked by calls for professionalism, integrity and renewed efforts to fight corruption in land management and longstanding legal battles.

Despite the positive mood, both political and technical leaders reminded the new clerk of Jinja’s troubled history with land issues. They noted that in recent years, the city has been plagued by disputes over public land, including health centres, schools and places of worship, as well as questionable allocations and wrangles fuelled by greed.

Outgoing Jinja city clerk Edward Lwanga said the land conflicts had divided communities, although some had been resolved. “You are coming in at a time when the city needs a firm and transparent hand in resolving these disputes,” he said.

“Matters to do with land and court cases don’t doze or sleep on the job, or else you will be digging your own grave because these are very tricky and serious matters that call for vigilance with professionalism to be handled. We have been facing a number of these challenges that have consumed most of our valuable time, where some have ended up in courts,” Lwanga warned.

He added that with support from the Attorney General, who sent a team of 15 attorneys alongside the city legal officer, they were able to resolve some cases amicably.

Lwanga, who is currently on work leave, made the remarks while handing over office to Otimong at Jinja City Council chambers.

Pending court cases

Jinja West city councillor Bernard Mbayo also raised concern that the city continues to face numerous court battles over contested land titles and unlawful evictions. Some of the cases date back several years and have drained the city’s resources while slowing down development projects.

Mbayo said there are currently 85 court cases, 95% of which he attributed to collusion between politicians, technical officers and external actors.

“We have managed to reduce on these court cases. We learnt that most people who have been defrauding the city authorities’ money out of court compensations, have been receiving advice from their internal referees and once in court, nobody would appear, and they end up being compensated,” he noted.

Finance committee secretary Agnes Kadama highlighted the city’s revenue growth. She said that when the outgoing clerk took office, collections stood at sh1.9 billion, but had since increased to sh10 billion.

“Out of this money raised, we have managed to work on various development projects like security street lighting along the road from the Jinja police roundabout to Kamuli-Iganga road roundabout. We expect the incoming city clerk to work with proper accountability to have value for our revenue collections,” Kadama said.

Deputy mayor Fazira Kawuma praised the outgoing clerk for applying a combination of skills and understanding of city management. She urged the new clerk to emulate his example.

South Division clerk Martin Kasonzi, who witnessed the handover on behalf of government, called for teamwork and discouraged the formation of cliques that cause divisions at work.

Kasonzi also warned Otimong against groups of individuals who present themselves as agents of State House, the Anti-Corruption Unit, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the Police, but are instead motivated by greed.

“My brother, be aware those groups of people will come with very sweet words and interesting deals in your office, where Lwanga the former [clerk] refused to implement. Be wise and on the alert because as government we are watching you closely,” he noted.

Otimong’s pledge

In his maiden address, Otimong pledged to prioritise transparency, accountability and dialogue with communities, political leaders and technical officers to safeguard city resources.

“I am here to serve the people of Jinja with honesty and commitment. Land matters will be handled in accordance with the law, and my office will not tolerate fraud or manipulation,” he said.