Rules for Moving in Successfully
To rent there is always an agreement drawn up between the landlord (usually the owner of the building being rented out) and a tenant, relating to occupying the building, subject to payment of rent. If you rent a property ‘furnished’, it usually has furniture, crockery but does not normally include sheets, etc.
Sign an inventory as this will help you in the event of dispute. If you rent ‘unfurnished’, you should be aware that the majority of decent apartments include kitchen appliances but curtain rails, carpets and lighting appliances are not usually included. After identifying the property and inspecting it to ensure that it meets your desired standards;you are advised, as a first time resident, to preferably engage the services of a lawyer. The landlord will be expected to provide you with a copy of the title deed and identification documents. The first time resident should provide; A copy of his/her passport, photographs and both parties (landlord/lessee) will be required to sign a copy of the tenancy agreement.
Payable by the Tenant;
Private consumption of water, gas, electricity.
Communal management charges in flats.
Payable by the Landlord;
Repair of buildings, Fire insurance, purchase of communal materials, maintenance and repair of tanks, tiles and electrical installations.
Tenants’ Deposit;
Tenants usually pay a deposit which is refunded at the end of the tenancy, less any costs of damage agreed between the two parties.
Ugandan law stipulates that a foreigner cannot buy land but can only get a lease. However the same law allows you to buy land in the name of a company. After locating and identifying the desired property, you are advised;
To find a recommended lawyer
To ensure that you get a copy of the title and have it verified at the Ministry of Lands to ensure that the title is genuine.
After confirmation that the title is genuine, when ready to pay for the property, have a lawyer draft a sales agreement for the property which should be signed by both parties i.e. the seller and buyer plus witnesses and a lawyer subsequent to which payment is finalized.
Proceed and register the title deed in your names.
Purchase is carried out in 3 stages: the signature of a provisional sales agreement (key document that shows evidence of purchase),followed by issue of transfer forms (documents used to indicate evidence of property transfer) and the title deed (legal document that shows evidence of ownership of a property). Also required during purchase is a copy of the vendor’s/buyer’s identification documents, along with 2 passport photographs of the vendor/buyer.
ACQUIRE A LEASEHOLD LAND TITLE
Procedure
Required documentation:
Fees paid to URA – 1% of the premium ground Rent.
Fees paid to Ministry and District
Registration fees: UGX. 10,000
Assurance of Title: UGX 20,000
Issuance of Title: UGX. 20,000
Preparation of lease: UGX 20,000
REGISTER CAVEAT
Procedure
Required documentation:
REMOVAL OF CAVEAT BASED ON A REQUEST BY PERSON WHO PLACED IT
Procedure
Required documentation:
Fees Involved
Registration fees – UGX. 10,000
Stamp Duty – UGX 5,000
ACQUIRING A MORTGAGE
Procedure
Required documentation:
Fees Involved
Stamp duty – 0.05% of the value of the mortgage.
registration fees – UGX. 15,000
If it’s a company an additional UGX 5,000 is paid for perusal of Company Records.
If the mortgage affects more than one title, an additional
UGX 5,000 is paid for each extra plot.
Electricity in the Kampala market
UMEME is in charge of the management and total distribution network for both domestic and industrial electricity in Kampala – Capital Region. Consumers are billed based on the energy used. UMEME draws up energy prices based on different elements: taxes, energy costs, rate for use of the networks and public surcharges.
Yaka
Most domestic and small commercial customers have been converted to the Prepaid Metering system ‘Yaka’. UMEME is responsible for the cost of Yaka installation for domestic and ordinary commercial customers.
Currently credit vouchers can be purchased from Banks and through PayWay.
What do I receive when my Yaka connection is complete?
The new meter will be installed in a tamper proof meter box. A swipe card will be issued and a Customer
Interface Unit (CIU) allowing you to monitor your energy consumption will be installed inside your premises.
You will also be given a copy of the Meter Installation Form. Currently, credit vouchers can be purchased from UMEME Service Centres, or Banks, or through Mobile Monet or Payway outlets.
You can chose to buy as much power as you please based on your consumption habits.
Once your units are complete, your electricity will go off. However,
the Yaka CIU will signal a warning beep when the credit is running low.
You are only charged for units used. If you plan to travel ensure that you load your Yaka meter with sufficient units or switch off electrical appliances.
In case you forget or lose your token number or slip simply call the UMEME Contact Centre on 0800 185 185 or 0800 185 186 or visit UMEME outlets with your meter number.
Safety Tips
Power surges are common in Uganda so ensure any sensitive equipment (e.g. fridges, computers) is protected with a surge protector, available from supermarkets and electrical stores.
Check the Umeme website www.umeme.co.ug for planned outages in your area.
The Bill
Clients are recognized by Property and Customer Reference number. With improved technology NWSC uses a Hand-held meter reading device to draw up the bill based on your meter. Payment is done using E-water payment system or at any Bank. Water Supply (In case of water shortage)
Expats in Uganda, a product of Lynx Media Ltd is your free practical guide to settling and living in Uganda.
Email Address grace@ugandaexpatsguide.com
Telephone Numbers
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