The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has started the process of digitalising land records as way of improving service delivery.
The records have over the decades been kept in manual files, with some rotting away due to poor storage, but according to Maureen Atwebembeire, the Head of Client Care at KCCA, the new system which started mid-July captures the land records electronically, enabling easy retrieval.
“Developers that seek to submit their building plans proposals to KCCA for consideration will be in position to acquire a search statement in just a day,” Ms Atwebembeire said, adding: “This exercise will eliminate 95 percent of the factors that previously caused delays in processing documentation. Our ultimate objective is to give our clients timely and quality services.”
With the new system, she said, KCCA hopes to enjoy an improved ‘turnaround time’ in processing land related applications, with the computerized system also helping in curbing any loopholes that may give room to unethical practices.
“It is anticipated that there may be some delays clients may experience during the next two months while the computerization process uploads backlog files. However, this inconvenience will be outweighed by the benefits the system brings once the computerization exercise is completed,” Ms Atwebembeire said.
Recently, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development beefed up KCCA with 35 more officers including land registrars, data entry clerks and records officers, to among others implement the computerization of land and building records.
Meanwhile, officers at KCCA say they will continue receiving land and building plan applications. “A dedicated team is in place to action transactions amidst this demanding computerization exercise,” a KCCA statement reads in part.
