David Balondemu, the chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board, has been ordered to pay fines totaling Shs 2.8 million for failing to declare his income, assets, and liabilities as required by the Leadership Code Act (LCA).
The ruling, delivered by the Leadership Code Tribunal, also mandates Balondemu to submit his wealth declaration to the Inspectorate of Government (IG) and withholds his allowances until compliance.
The tribunal found that Balondemu, appointed by the Lord Mayor of Kampala, qualifies as a “leader” under the LCA.
The Constitution (Article 240) and the Land Act (Section 57) establish district land boards, placing Balondemu squarely within the scope of mandatory wealth declaration.
Balondemu’s counsel argued that his client, who earns only a sitting allowance, was exempt from declaring wealth, citing Articles 175(a) and 257(4) of the Constitution.
They also claimed the prosecution was malicious, linked to Balondemu’s political ambitions in Lukala constituency. The Tribunal rejected these arguments, finding no evidence of malice and clarifying that the LCA’s declaration requirement applies regardless of remuneration type.
The tribunal emphasized that wealth declarations promote transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Balondemu was fined Shs 1.2 million for non-submission from April to June 2023 and Shs 1.6 million for July and August 2023, as per LCA penalties. The tribunal declined to refer the case to the Constitutional Court, stating its role is to apply, not interpret, the Constitution.
Each party was told to bear its own costs.
