Robert Mbaziira, the Senior Land Management Officer of Mukono District, found himself in police custody at Mukono Police Division overnight, facing allegations of issuing double land titles in the region. The arrest came on the directive of State Minister for Land, Sam Mayanja, at the district headquarters on Wednesday evening.
Minister Mayanja pointed out that Mbaziira has been embroiled in disputes related to double land titling, which have exacerbated conflicts in the land management system. These inconsistencies have triggered serious clashes within the community, resulting in injuries and even loss of life among competing land claimants.
Expressing his exasperation, Mayanja insisted, “I have had enough of him, arrest him now to record a statement. I hear he is very rich and untouchable. I want the Resident District Commissioner and the Chief Administrative Officer to initiate the interdiction process and terminate his employment contract.”
In August this year, Mayanja temporarily shut down the Mukono Zonal offices due to concerns about transparency and trust issues. Doreen Tumushabe, the principal assistant secretary, was asked to step aside to facilitate an investigation into deceit, malpractice, and harm caused to people. Tumushabe resumed her role a week later when it became apparent that most of the irregularities were orchestrated by Mbaziira before many responsibilities at the district land office were transferred to the ministerial zonal office.
The minister alleges that the district land officer failed to uphold national policies, strategies, programs, and guidelines concerning land, housing, and urban development within the district. His actions seemed to favor the affluent at the expense of the less fortunate. Initially, the police hesitated to enforce the minister’s order, regarding it as a mere jest.
However, in response to the fervent demands from residents for immediate action, Andrew Kawa, the OC Mukono Police Division, instructed his officers to escort Mbaziira to the police station. Subsequently, Mayanja directed the Commissioner of Lands to invalidate new land titles that overlapped with existing ones and to investigate and apprehend all land officers involved in the issuance of these titles.
Mukono residents firmly believe that land disputes can be more effectively resolved if compliance officers in various offices reject corrupt practices. Cotilda Nabuuso, an 81-year-old resident, recounted her eviction from her house in Buziranjovu, asserting that the land grabber was shielded by armed individuals in police uniforms who threatened to harm her and her family if they pursued the matter.
Diocesan Bishop for Mukono, Enos Kagodo, highlighted that land grabbers often pretend to be affiliated with the ruling party (National Resistance Movement) and use intimidation tactics against landowners. “They wear NRM ‘T’ shirts, and some, if not impersonating army officers, claim to have State House backing with significant power to intimidate innocent citizens. Even when residents report these issues to the authorities, no action is taken,” noted Bishop Kagodo.
Phiona Barungi, the Senior Presidential Assistant for Special Duties, encouraged Mukono residents to always verify the authenticity of individuals or groups claiming State House affiliation with the relevant authorities.
