By Joseph Kiggundu
The Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB) has once again come under parliamentary scrutiny over concerns of missing records, delayed property disposals, and alleged fraud—more than five decades after the 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda.
During a meeting held on Tuesday, 03 March 2026, the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) tasked board officials to present a complete and verified inventory of all properties under their custody. Legislators warned that failure to establish a clear asset register could expose government to litigation and loss of revenue.
The session, chaired by Hon. Allan Mayanja, examined issues raised in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending 30 June 2024. The audit highlighted gaps including an incomplete property register, delayed valuations, weak internal controls, and limited board activity, noting that only one board meeting was held during the period under review.
DAPCB was created under the Assets of Departed Asians Act to oversee properties left behind following the 1972 expulsion. Subsequent legislation, including the Expropriated Properties Act, outlines procedures for valuation, sale, repossession, and restitution of such assets. However, lawmakers observed that the board had not complied with the legal requirement to maintain a proper and up-to-date asset register.
Bwamba County MP, Hon. Richard Muhumuza Gafabusa, questioned how disposals and revenue collection could proceed without a verified record of assets and their respective values. He pressed officials to explain the basis upon which properties were being managed or sold.
According to the Auditor General’s findings, more than 115 properties compensated under arrangements involving the British High Commission in 1999 remain unvalued. Additionally, 87 properties under a United Nations compensation framework have yet to be disposed of. The audit cautioned that prolonged inaction could lead to encroachment, fraudulent claims, and diminished public revenue.
Rakai District Woman Representative, Hon. Juliet Kinyamatama, called for strict adherence to statutory procedures, urging the board to provide documentation outlining decisions made by its executive and divestiture committees.
Buhweju County MP, Hon. Francis Mwijukye, raised concerns about possible irregularities, including alleged interference in property allocations and the risk of illegitimate claimants benefiting from the process.
In response, DAPCB Executive Secretary George William Bizibu admitted that the board does not yet have a fully consolidated property registry. He explained that verification efforts are ongoing and noted that previous plans to dissolve the board were suspended following parliamentary guidance.
Under the Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) initiative, Parliament halted the proposed dissolution of DAPCB, arguing that winding up the board without a confirmed inventory could result in confusion, asset loss, and reduced government revenue.
COSASE indicated it will continue monitoring the board’s progress to ensure compliance with the law and protection of public assets.