KABALE:Landlords have been strongly encouraged to embrace professional property management services by engaging third-party experts as a strategic way of enhancing the value, efficiency, and sustainability of their investments. This advice was shared during a detailed and interactive workshop aimed at equipping property owners with modern management practices and helping them navigate the increasingly complex real estate environment.
The call was made by His Worship Emeritus Ben Dancun Sande, a former Grade One Chief Magistrate, while addressing participants at a workshop held at Neriah Suites in Kabale Municipality. The event, organized by Mupangisa Realtors, brought together landlords, property managers, and local authorities to discuss practical solutions to common challenges in property management.
In his address, Sande highlighted that many landlords face persistent challenges when they attempt to manage their properties independently. These challenges include delayed or unpaid rent, conflicts with tenants, lack of proper documentation, and difficulties in enforcing tenancy agreements. He explained that when landlords handle rent collection personally, emotions and personal relationships can sometimes interfere with professional decision-making, resulting in misunderstandings and disputes.
He emphasized that engaging a neutral third party helps to create a structured and professional relationship between landlords and tenants. Property managers act as intermediaries, ensuring that communication remains clear, respectful, and legally compliant. This, he noted, not only minimizes conflict but also helps maintain long-term tenancy relationships, which are crucial for consistent income generation.
Sande further pointed out that the Landlord and Tenant Act 2022 provides a comprehensive legal framework that governs the relationship between landlords and tenants. He explained that the law encourages transparency, fairness, and accountability on both sides. However, many landlords are either unaware of its provisions or find it difficult to implement them effectively. For this reason, he urged property owners to work closely with professional agencies such as Mupangisa Realtors, which are better equipped to interpret and apply the law in day-to-day property management.
According to Sande, professional property managers bring expertise in handling tenant screening, drafting tenancy agreements, enforcing lease terms, and ensuring timely rent collection. They also keep proper records, which can be critical in case of legal disputes. He added that this level of organization ultimately contributes to increasing the overall value of the property, as well-managed properties tend to attract and retain responsible tenants.
Speaking at the same event, Deborah Nowembabazi Asasira, the Chief Executive Officer of Mupangisa Realtors, elaborated on the services offered by the company and the impact they have on landlords. She explained that their primary objective is to reduce the operational burden faced by property owners, allowing them to focus on other investments or personal commitments.
Nowembabazi noted that many landlords struggle not only with collecting rent but also with identifying reliable tenants and managing property maintenance issues. She said that Mupangisa Realtors steps in to handle these responsibilities professionally by conducting thorough background checks on prospective tenants, ensuring that only credible and financially stable occupants are accepted. This reduces the risk of rent default and property damage.
She further explained that the company uses organized systems to track rent payments, send reminders to tenants, and enforce penalties where necessary, all in accordance with the law. In addition, they assist landlords in marketing vacant properties, thereby reducing the time units remain unoccupied. By minimizing vacancies, landlords are able to maintain a steady flow of income.
Nowembabazi also highlighted the importance of compliance with tax regulations. She revealed that many property owners unknowingly overpay taxes due to lack of proper guidance or misinterpretation of tax requirements. Through collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and other relevant government bodies, Mupangisa Realtors ensures that landlords are correctly assessed and do not incur unnecessary financial losses. This service not only saves money but also protects landlords from legal penalties associated with non-compliance.
Adding his voice to the discussion, Laban Twesigye, a municipal council tax officer, urged landlords to take their tax obligations seriously. He emphasized that paying taxes is a civic duty and a key component of national development. However, he acknowledged that tax systems can sometimes be complex and difficult for ordinary property owners to understand.
Twesigye pointed out that failure to properly interpret tax requirements often leads to two major problems: either landlords underpay and face penalties, or they overpay and incur unnecessary financial strain. He therefore encouraged property owners to seek professional advice from qualified third parties who understand tax policies and can guide them accurately.
He also stressed the importance of record-keeping, noting that maintaining proper documentation of rental income, expenses, and tax payments can help landlords avoid disputes with tax authorities and make informed financial decisions.
Overall, the workshop underscored the growing importance of professional property management in today’s real estate sector. The speakers collectively emphasized that landlords who adopt third-party management services stand to benefit from improved efficiency, reduced stress, enhanced property value, and better compliance with legal and tax requirements.
They concluded by encouraging property owners to view property management not just as a routine task, but as a professional service that requires expertise, organization, and strategic planning. By partnering with experienced agencies like Mupangisa Realtors, landlords can transform their properties into well-managed, profitable, and sustainable investments.
