In a major anti-corruption breakthrough, the Acting Commissioner for Mapping and Surveys at the Ministry of Lands, Kakooza Jasper, and nine others have been formally charged before the Anti-Corruption Court over their alleged involvement in a massive land fraud scandal involving over 600 acres of land belonging to the Madhvani Group Ltd in Gomba District.
The arrests, led by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (@AntiGraft_SH) in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (@CID1_UG) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (@ODPPUGANDA), follow a months-long investigation into the fraudulent creation of land titles overlapping a title legally registered in 1955 as FRV 60 Folio 4.
The following individuals were arraigned and have been remanded until April 30, 2025:
- Kakooza Jasper – Ag. Commissioner, Mapping and Surveys
- Bassajjangabo Hakim – Senior Assistant Secretary, Kabulasooke, Gomba District
- Siwuliliza Andrew Sserunkuma – LC1 Chairperson, Mpogo Village
- Nakanwagi Gladys – Former Secretary, Gomba District Land Board
- Hajju Kayongo Badru Ismail – Former Chairperson, Gomba District Land Board
- Nuwahereza Allan Katakanya – Businessman
- Mudenyi Gerald – Security Guard
- Nabimanya David – Security Guard
- Ssenoga Abdu – Casual Labourer
- Kisenyi Harunah – Boda Boda Rider
They face multiple charges including Abuse of Office, Forgery, Fraudulent Procurement of a Certificate of Title, Forcible Entry, Forcible Detainer, Destruction of Growing Plants, and Conspiracy to Commit a Misdemeanour and a Felony.
Investigators revealed that in 2024, the accused, under the pretense of conducting a boundary opening, forcibly took control of over 600 acres of land registered under Madhvani Group Ltd in Musongole village, Mpenja sub-county. The land, which included extensive tea plantations and over 540 acres of natural forest, was violently seized. In the process, the perpetrators allegedly destroyed valuable crops and forest cover, leaving a trail of environmental and economic damage.
The crackdown is far from over. Warrants of arrest have been issued for additional suspects still at large, including the Deputy RDC of Gomba District, Sitenda Nicodemus Mugalu, physical planner Mugenyi Vincent, and businessman Fred (surname withheld).
Authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend all remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
This case marks a significant moment in Uganda’s ongoing battle against land-related corruption and abuse of public office. The public and stakeholders await the next court proceedings on April 30, hoping justice will be served.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow
