Masaka Notorious Land Grabber Zulaika Nakabiri has been charged before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court together with three other suspects over a series of alleged land grabbing incidents that have reportedly terrorized residents across different parts of Masaka. The prosecution follows investigations conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force in Masaka and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Nakabiri was jointly charged with Bugembe Edrisa, Dumba Abdu Swaburu and Makumbi Abbey. According to investigators, the four are accused of illegally grabbing land belonging to residents and carrying out criminal activities that left many victims counting heavy losses.
Authorities allege that the suspects assaulted residents, criminally trespassed onto private land, unlawfully occupied people’s property and destroyed crops, trees, houses and other valuable belongings. Their actions are said to have caused fear among affected communities and sparked numerous complaints from residents.
The accused persons appeared before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court and were remanded until August 13, 2026, as investigations and prosecution continue. Authorities say they are determined to ensure justice for victims of land grabbing and other related offences.
In a separate case, Ntale Godfrey, the LC I Chairperson of Misaala Cell, and Juuko John were also arraigned before the same court on charges of theft and conspiracy to defraud. The pair is accused of exploiting a government poverty alleviation programme to steal money meant for beneficiaries.
According to investigators, one of the victims, Ntuumwa Elvis, approached the two seeking assistance to apply for Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. Juuko allegedly completed the application while Ntale was present before instructing the victim to register a new SIM card for the process.
The suspects allegedly convinced Ntuumwa to reveal his mobile money PIN before taking possession of the SIM card. After UGX 1 million was deposited on the account under the PDM programme, they are accused of withdrawing the money without the victim’s knowledge or permission.
After realizing he had not received the funds and failing to obtain a satisfactory explanation, Ntuumwa reported the matter during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” Baraza in Masaka. His complaint triggered investigations that led to the arrest and prosecution of the two suspects, who were also remanded until August 13, 2026.
Authorities revealed that the arrests and prosecutions were made possible through complaints raised by residents during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” campaign led by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara. The campaign aims to expose corruption, protect public resources and ensure government programmes serve the people they were intended to benefit.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has encouraged members of the public to continue reporting cases of corruption, land grabbing and fraud, saying public cooperation remains key in holding offenders accountable and strengthening the fight against corruption across the country.
