The government has taken decisive action by temporarily closing the Mukono Lands Office to facilitate investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. The investigation revolves around alleged corruption, issuance of counterfeit land titles, and the occurrence of double titling of land.
State Minister of Lands, Sam Mayanja, announced the closure of the office and has requested the principal assistant secretary of the Mukono lands office, Ms. Doreen Tumushabe, to step aside during the investigative period.
Minister Mayanja clarified that the exact duration of the investigation is yet to be determined. He has appointed a temporary replacement for Ms. Tumushabe, who will serve in an acting capacity until the investigations conclude.
The Minister stated, “I have closed the office for the rest of the day to allow the Anti-Corruption team to initiate investigations. We will reopen it the following day.”
He expressed concern over multiple reports from the public detailing corruption and abuse of office within the Mukono Zonal office. This office has been implicated in practices of double titling and the issuance of titles in protected areas, contributing to land conflicts.
Mayanja emphasized that forged land titles have led to unfortunate deaths and disputes when it’s discovered that a piece of land is claimed by more than one individual.
He highlighted the detrimental impact on financial institutions, explaining that banks struggle to recover substantial sums from defaulters who secure loans using counterfeit land titles. The double titling issue has created uncertainty and discouraged banks from extending loans.
Mayanja stressed the need for thorough investigation to eliminate impunity and restore the office’s proper functioning in serving the public.
He criticized Mukono lands officials for transforming the office into a land brokerage agency, where genuine landowners find it difficult to transact directly.
“Only brokers are engaging with the Lands office, while the genuine owners are excluded from direct access,” he stated.
Moreover, Mayanja revealed that officials at the Mukono Lands Office have been disregarding the Land Information System and handling files that are not properly registered, contributing to the creation of overlapping land interests.
He cautioned, “Modifying land information in the processing and management of files creates a breeding ground for corruption, as files become untraceable.”
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