Betty Kamya, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), has launched an investigation into fraudulent payments involving large sums of money for “ghost” land claims by officials of the Uganda Land Commission (ULC). Kamya announced this investigation following recent revelations that fraudulent activities were occurring within the commission.
Kamya remarked, “We have been hearing about ghost payments in other departments, like the police and civil service, but we have now discovered similar fraud within the Uganda Land Commission.”
The fraud allegedly involves ULC officials who, instead of paying rightful claimants, collaborate with land brokers who pose as intermediaries. These brokers often take advantage of the claimants, particularly elderly individuals, persuading them to open joint bank accounts. The brokers then access the payments intended for the claimants, taking the lion’s share of the money.
Kamya further explained, “We have gathered enough information to launch this investigation. Our goal is to ensure transparency, and we will release a preliminary report within two months.”
In a press briefing at his office, Andrew Nyumba, Secretary to the Uganda Land Commission, confirmed that the Inspectorate was closely examining the operations of the commission. “We are working to ensure that we can effectively execute our mandate and address these issues,” Nyumba told journalists.
On the morning of January 30, 2025, officials from the IGG’s office raided the Nakawa Business Park along Port Bell Road, where they conducted searches at several ULC offices. Physical files were seized as part of the investigation.
Key targets of the search included:
- The office of Andrew Nyumba, the Secretary to the Commission
- The office of Senior Accountant Joseph Eseru
- The Land Registry office
- The office of Senior Records Officer Mariam Nassanga
- Land Management and Payment Offices
- Officers involved in Verification and Valuation processes
These offices were thoroughly searched as part of the ongoing probe into the fraudulent activities.
Kamya’s office has promised to continue monitoring the situation and expects further developments to emerge from the investigation.
