By Caroline.N
The Government of Uganda has commenced a nationwide verification exercise for individuals claiming ownership of properties formerly owned by departed Asians, in a renewed effort to bring finality, transparency and justice to one of the country’s most complex historical property issues.
The exercise, spearheaded by the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB) under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, aims to authenticate genuine claimants and resolve long-standing disputes surrounding properties left behind following the expulsion of Asians from Uganda in 1972. The verification process is expected to pave the way for orderly restitution, compensation, or lawful administration of the affected properties.
According to government officials, the verification exercise targets claimants who allege either original ownership, lawful occupancy, inheritance rights or government allocation of the properties during the period when the assets were vested in the state. Claimants are required to present supporting documentation, including tenancy agreements, purchase receipts, allocation letters, court rulings and identification documents, to substantiate their claims.
Speaking at the launch of the exercise, officials from the Ministry of Finance emphasised that the process is intended to eliminate fraudulent claims that have for years complicated the management of departed Asians’ properties. Authorities noted that some properties have been the subject of multiple, and often conflicting, claims, undermining investor confidence and denying the rightful owners or occupants their legal entitlements.
“The verification exercise is meant to establish an accurate and credible record of ownership and occupancy. This will enable the government to take informed decisions on restitution, compensation or continued custodianship in accordance with the law,” the Ministry stated.
The Departed Asians Property Custodian Board further explained that the exercise follows several court rulings and audit findings which highlighted gaps in previous verification efforts. These shortcomings reportedly allowed unscrupulous individuals to acquire or retain property through forged documentation or misrepresentation.
For many affected parties, the verification process offers renewed hope for closure. Some Ugandans who have occupied the properties for decades argue that they invested heavily in maintaining and developing them, while members of the Asian community continue to seek full restitution for assets they lost during the 1972 expulsion. The government maintains that the exercise will balance historical justice with fairness to current occupants, in line with existing laws and court decisions.
The verification will be conducted in phases, beginning with properties in Kampala and Wakiso districts before extending to other parts of the country. Claimants have been urged to comply within the stipulated timelines, as failure to present themselves for verification may result in forfeiture of claims.
The government has also warned against interference with the process, cautioning that presenting forged documents or attempting to influence officials constitutes a criminal offence punishable under Ugandan law. Security agencies have been tasked to support the exercise to ensure order and integrity.
The issue of departed Asians’ properties remains a sensitive chapter in Uganda’s history. While successive governments have taken steps to return properties or compensate original owners, unresolved disputes continue to affect economic utilisation of the assets. Officials believe the current verification drive marks a significant step towards resolving the matter conclusively.
Upon completion, the government is expected to publish a verified register of claimants and properties, which will guide future decisions on ownership, compensation and investment use, ultimately contributing to economic stability and rule of law.