The Ministry responsible for lands and land administration has confirmed a change in leadership within the Department of Land Registration following the interdiction of Mr. Mugaino Baker, who previously served as the Commissioner for Land Registration and Head of Department.
In a move to ensure continuity of operations and maintain the integrity of public service delivery, the Ministry has submitted the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) computer user access form for Mr. Byiringiro Bigira Johnson, who has been designated as the Acting Commissioner for Land Registration and the Acting Head of Department. The submission seeks formal approval to update IFMS system records and facilitate his access to relevant financial and operational functions.
Mr. Mugaino Baker was interdicted from office pending investigations into [optional: nature of interdiction if publicly known], prompting the Ministry to take swift administrative action to prevent any disruption to the ongoing work of the department.
The Land Registration Department is a critical unit within the Ministry, tasked with the management of land titles, maintenance of accurate land ownership records, and support of nationwide land tenure reforms. Given the sensitive and strategic nature of its operations, the prompt appointment of an acting head ensures continuity and adherence to government protocols.
In an official communication addressed to relevant authorities, the Ministry has requested the formal replacement of Mr. Mugaino Baker with Mr. Byiringiro Bigira Johnson in the IFMS system, in accordance with the public finance management framework. This change will enable Mr. Johnson to perform his duties effectively, including the oversight of financial transactions and departmental activities.
The letter states:
“The purpose of this request is to officially replace Mr. Mugaino Baker, who was the Commissioner Land Registration and Head of Department, with Mr. Byiringiro Bigira Johnson as the new acting Head of Department and Acting Commissioner for Land Registration for purposes of system access and operational continuity.”
Mr. Byiringiro Bigira Johnson is a seasoned public servant with extensive experience in land administration and governance. His appointment as Acting Commissioner is seen as a stabilizing step, bringing both institutional knowledge and a steady hand to guide the department through this transition period.
He is expected to focus on upholding service standards, ensuring accountability, and preserving public trust while the Ministry undertakes a full review and continues its work to strengthen transparency within land governance systems.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to operational integrity and transparency, assuring the public and stakeholders that the change in leadership will not affect service delivery or the department’s core mandate.
As the leadership transition takes effect, attention now turns to the continued modernization and digitization of land services, a priority area expected to remain central under Mr. Johnson’s interim stewardship.
