parliament 3 August 2026 Nile Post

Uganda's Mombasa Properties in Disrepair, MPs Concerned

Members of Parliament on the COSASE committee are alarmed by the dilapidated state of Uganda's government-owned properties in Mombasa, Kenya, citing low rental returns and inadequate maintenance funding. An inspection revealed severe structural issues, including leaking roofs and caved-in floors, hindering potential revenue generation. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/360968/cosase-mps-alarmed-by-deteriorating-state-of-ugandas-properties-in-mombasa

Legislators serving on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have voiced significant concerns following an inspection of Uganda’s government assets located in Mombasa, Kenya. The properties, managed by Uganda Property Holdings Ltd (UPHL), were found to be in a state of considerable disrepair, raising questions about their management and the potential for generating adequate rental income.

The inspection, led by COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi, was prompted by findings in the Auditor General’s recent report. UPHL oversees a substantial portfolio, including 24 properties in Kenya valued at Shs96 billion, alongside assets in Uganda and London.

During the site visits, MPs observed multiple buildings in poor condition. At the Annex-1 Warehouse, persistent roof leaks were noted despite the building being occupied. Another property on Shimanzi Road featured a caved-in floor, with repairs described as piecemeal rather than comprehensive solutions.

UPHL’s Managing Director, Wilbert Mugume, attributed the deteriorating state to a severe lack of funding for maintenance and renovations. He explained that the company’s annual government allocation of less than Shs100 million is insufficient to manage a property portfolio worth billions.

Mugume appealed for a substantial capital injection of at least Shs50 billion to facilitate necessary overhauls, repairs, and the development of idle land. This, he believes, would significantly boost rental yields and improve the financial standing of UPHL, which currently operates with a lean staff.

Despite the challenges, the MPs were assured that all property title deeds are secure, and no government assets were lost during the transfer to UPHL in 1998. The committee is expected to further deliberate on strategies to revive these valuable, yet neglected, international assets.