UGANDA, Mubende | Real Muloodi News | Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has pledged to take strict action against corrupt land officials following allegations of bribery and fraud at the Mityana Lands Ministry Zonal Office (MZO) and other offices in the Greater Mubende region.
During a community meeting held at Mubende National Teachers College on January 13, 2025, residents reported cases of lands ministry staff allegedly soliciting bribes for legally free services.
Musa Busuulwa, the Bugonzi parish chairperson in Kitenga sub-county, claimed he was asked for UGX 100,000 by an unidentified MZO staff member to facilitate a land search despite having paid the official UGX 12,500 fee through the bank.
“The officer refused to assist me because I declined to pay the bribe,” Busuulwa said.
He also accused a Mubende District Land Board member of involvement in land-grabbing activities, allegedly colluding with private individuals to unlawfully acquire land.
Minister Nabakooba responded firmly, stating, “If a staff member solicits money from the public, they will be prosecuted. Once evidence is provided, the courts of law will take action.”
She emphasised that her ministry has introduced online land title management systems to curb corruption but acknowledged persistent misconduct.
Ivan Lwanyaga, head of Mityana MZO, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming they were intended to tarnish the government’s image.
The meeting also addressed issues of overlapping land titles, with Nabakooba assuring residents of forthcoming amendments.
Mubende Woman MP Hope Grania Nakazibwe pledged to advocate for increased Land Fund allocations in Parliament to assist landless communities.
Nabakooba urged the public to report corruption cases, warning that offenders would be referred directly to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
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