Departed Asians Property Custodian Board : a summary of findings and recommendations for a divestiture program

These properties, now the responsibility of the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB), were the backbone of Uganda"s economy in 1972 and have the potential to make a major impact on the country"s rehabilitation and growth. Due to the uncertainty of their ownership, however, the properties have been allowed to deteriorate progressively over the last 17 years and a considerable number are dilapidated and abandoned. In order to provide incentives for proper maintenance and rehabilitation, the Government of Uganda aims to transfer property ownership to the private sector. Volume I of this report summarizes a divestiture plan encompassing: reorganization of the DAPCB; the tendering process; and the financing of purchases from the DACPB. Technical assistance, training, and commodity needs are identified, and recommendations are made regarding policy decisions. A workplan for the sale of the first 25 properties is also provided. Volume II presents an expanded discussion of the privatization strategy and includes more detailed procedures for ensuring a program that is fair and efficient and so can hope to win the support of the majority of Ugandans and of the international donor community as well. (Author abstract, modified)