Realising the potential of property data sharing in Kampala, Uganda

Status

Completed

Property data in Uganda is fragmented between KCCA and MoLHUD, resulting in inconsistencies due to differing definitions, update cycles, and limited, ad hoc data sharing. A structured pilot and political prioritisation are needed to demonstrate the benefits of systematic data integration, which has already shown potential to improve tax compliance and revenue.

• Property data is fragmented. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) maintains building-level data for property taxation, while the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development (MoLHUD) manages parcel-based land records. The two systems define “property” differently and have different update cycles and incentives, creating gaps and inconsistencies.
• Ad hoc data exchanges are insufficient. Some data sharing occurs, but it is irregular, highly personalised, and dependent on case-by-case requests rather than systematic mechanisms.
• Sharing property tax data has proven potential. Matching KCCA’s property data with the Uganda Revenue Authority’s taxpayer registry nearly tripled the number of landlords registered for rental income tax in two years and increased revenue collection, demonstrating that property tax data can support wider state functions.
• A pilot could demonstrate feasibility. There is limited empirical evidence on how structured data matching between KCCA and MoLHUD could work in practice. Pilot studies are needed to identify where records diverge, why mismatches occur, and how both agencies could benefit.
• Political prioritisation is essential. Realising potential benefits will require elevating property data sharing as a governance and political priority—establishing clear rules, building technical capacity, expanding geospatial data use, and investing in local property taxation as the foundation for broader state-building gains.