Members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee for Local Government have raised concerns over the alleged undervaluation of fixed assets owned by Luwero District, saying the figures reported by the district may not reflect the true value of government property.

The committee established that Luwero District’s fixed assets were valued at about Shs40 billion, while non-fixed assets were recorded at Shs19 billion in the 2024/25 Auditor General’s report.

However, MPs questioned the accuracy of the figures after district officials failed to establish the exact acreage of land owned by the district, raising concerns about how the reported valuation was determined.

Committee Chairperson Betty Nambooze Bakireke accused politicians and technical officials of deliberately undervaluing government assets, warning that the practice could expose public property to loss.

The committee also found that several government facilities had been assigned remarkably low values.

Among them are buildings and land belonging to Bukalasa Agricultural College, valued at Shs35 million; Bamunaanika Technical Institute in Mulajje, valued at Shs24 million; and Bukolwa Health Centre III, which was valued at only Shs5 million.

Nambooze attributed part of the problem to the district’s failure to employ a surveyor and government valuer, saying the absence of the professionals has affected the proper valuation and disposal of public assets.

The committee also questioned the proposed disposal of two district double-cabin vehicles, reportedly valued at Shs4.5 million each, as well as a motorcycle valued at only Shs125,000.

Luwero District Acting Chief Financial Officer Godfrey Walakira and the Chief Accounting Officer failed to provide convincing explanations to several of the queries raised by the legislators.

MPs also questioned expenditure of about Shs4 million on the construction of a pit latrine, describing the cost as questionable.

Nambooze has called on the government to introduce clear regulations governing the valuation, acquisition and disposal of public assets to safeguard government property and prevent potential losses.

The committee is expected to pursue further explanations from the district and relevant government authorities on the valuation and management of Luwero’s public assets.

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