KAMPALA, Uganda | The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya has ordered the interdiction of Mr Baker Mugaino, the Commissioner for Land Registration.

Mugaino is accused of fraudulent cancellation of genuine land titles and replacement with fake titles and transfer of land titles, a move signalling a significant crackdown on rampant land fraud in the country.

In a statement issued by the IGG, Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe directed the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Mrs Dorcas Okalany, to immediately suspend Mr Mugaino to pave the way for investigations. Mugaino is further accused of lifting caveats and double issuance of land titles.

This follows a search and seizure operation at the Commissioner’s office on April 24, 2025, after the Inspectorate received multiple complaints implicating Mugaino in various fraudulent activities.

The IGG cited Article 225(1)(e) of the Constitution of Uganda, Section 7(1)(e) of the IG Act, and Article 230(2) of the Constitution, among others, as the legal basis for the interdiction, underscoring the need for ethical conduct among public officials.

The IGG further emphasised that all public officers must “uphold ethical guidelines while holding public offices”, warning that similar actions would be taken against others implicated in land fraud.

The High Court in Mukono has also set a date for the hearing of a land dispute involving a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, Major Mark Wanyama, and Mukono businessman Jackson Twinamasiko after failed mediation.

The two have, since 2019, been in the limelight over the contested seven acres of land comprising Kyaggwe Block 494 Plot 9 at Mbeya Island. The land originally belonged to Francis Tyaba, who lives in the USA but had given Joyce Lutaaya power of attorney to handle the transaction.

Later, Major Wanyama forcefully evicted the businessman, which compelled him to go to court for redress. Later, Wanyama also filed various counter-accusations. Lady Justice Kaitesi directed that the joint schedule of memorandum be ready and submitted by June 24, before adjourning the matter to July 3 for scheduling and hearing.