The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Buganda Road, under the Anti-Corruption Division located in Nakasero, has officially charged Mr. Mugaino Baker, aged 47, a senior government official serving as Commissioner for Land Registration in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. He faces two serious charges: Abuse of Office and Corruption, contrary to Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116.
The charges stem from investigations led by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), which alleges that Mr. Mugaino abused his office by engaging in corrupt practices during his tenure. The specific details of the offenses are expected to be presented during the hearing, scheduled for June 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM, before Her Worship Nakyazze Racheal, Chief Magistrate.
Count 1: Abuse of Office under Section 10 of the Anti-Corruption Act (Cap 116) — a charge which implies that the accused used his office for personal or unauthorized gain, thereby violating the trust placed in him by the public.
Count 2: Corruption under Sections 2(i) and 26 of the same Act — relating to soliciting or receiving gratification in exchange for unlawful performance or omission of duty.
Mr. Mugaino, a resident of Ntinda Village 12 in Nakawa Division, Kampala City, has been granted cash bail amounting to Ugx 3,000,000 (Three million Ugandan shillings only). The bail was secured on June 5, 2025, as per General Receipt No. Y 3237685 and PRN 2250015548547. He is legally bound to appear in court later this month and risks forfeiting the bail amount should he fail to comply.
This case underscores Uganda’s ongoing commitment to fighting corruption, particularly within the ranks of public service. The Anti-Corruption Division of the Judiciary, supported by bodies such as the IGG and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, continues to play a vital role in holding public officials accountable.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, frequently scrutinized due to its sensitive role in land allocation and property registration, is once again in the spotlight. As the nation awaits further developments, this trial is expected to test both the strength of Uganda’s anti-corruption laws and the transparency of its justice system.
More details are expected to emerge in the upcoming hearing.
